League of Legends Professional League

Tuesday, March 15th (Starts @ 5 AM ET)

 

(-190) FunPlus Phoenix v Invictus Gaming (+145)

(-152) Edward Gaming v LNG Esports (+116)

 

The LPL is in its last week of play and teams are trying desperately to make the most of every series. Three playoff positions still remain and, realistically, four teams are fighting for that 10th and final spot. The matchup between FPX and IG is a matchup with huge implications. Both teams are sitting just outside the playoff bubble and the loser will be eliminated from playoff contention. 

The other matchup is just as interesting. Though both teams have secured their playoff spots already, they are still in the hunt for the all important 3rd/4th position spot in the Spring playoffs (this gives you three byes in the playoffs and you would only need a single series win to make it to the double elimination round of playoffs). At the same time, both also risk dropping down to the bottom half of the bracket and having a far longer road to the Mid Season Invitational. 
 

Fantasy Value Breakdown

 

Series #1: FunPlus Phoenix v Invictus Gaming

Game Breakdown: While I feel fairly confident in FPX’s ability to win this series through raw skill, I fully expect them to botch one of the games through terrible late-game macro play. They can find early leads, pick up early kills, and find ways to lose critical late-game fights around objectives. I find they have cycled through a multitude of lineups but there are constants on this FPX team and the first of which is Lwx. Lwx was widely considered one of the best LPL ADCs going into the World Championship. When FPX finished last in their group, it felt like something broke inside them and we are seeing that brokenness in the lack of consistent protection for Lwx. He is their best win-con and will be the best defense against IG’s ADC, Wink. Wink is averaging 71.2 FPPG and has been the core of their resurgence. I think FPX’s new mid laner, Care, could also be a sneaky player to watch on this slate. You will be tempted to take a mid laner from one of the bigger two teams but his value at $11,100 for the captain role while averaging 72 FPPG is a steal.  

  • Favorite Picks: Lwx (FPX: $11,00/$7,800), Care (FPX: $11,100/$7,400), Funplus Phoenix ($5,000)
  • Value Picks: Wink (IG: $10,500/$7,000), Lucas (IG: $5,200) 
  • Cann’s Match Pick: FunPlus Phoenix (2-1)  

 

Series #2: Edward Gaming v LNG Esports

Game Breakdown: One of my biggest critiques of the LNG Esports squad was that they could not win against good teams and they were limited in beating the bad teams. This may more of the case for EDG at this point. Before beating BLG, we saw EDG lose to Anyone’s Legends, RNG, TOP Esports, and Victory Five. They haven't had back to back series since the end of February (IG and FPX). Viper (EDG ADC) is still producing with 157 kills and 183 assists in 33 games played. His 71% team kill percentage is great and he has an impressive 33% team kill share percentage. Unfortunately for EDG, they are taking on a top-three ADC in Light. He has 181 kills and 189 assists. He could realistically hit 200+ in both categories if the series hits 3 games. LNG will also have an edge in the jungle as well. I think Tarzan’s early participation in lanes will allow him to put more pressure on Jiejie. He won’t be able to handle this pressure because LNG’s should be controlling in the early game. 

  • Favorite Picks: Viper (EDG: $7,600), Flandre (EDG: $6,000), Meiko (EDG: $5,600)
  • Value Picks: Light (LNG: $11,100/$7,400), Tarzan (LNG: $6,400), Ale (LNG: $5,600), LNG ($4,600)
  • Cann’s Match Pick: LNG Esports (2-0)  


     

Cann’s Example Lineup

DraftKings Classic – $50,000 Salary Cap
 

Captain (x1.5): Light (LNG: $11,100)

Alternate: Lwx (FPX: $11,700)

Top: Ale (LNG: $5,600)

Jungle: Tarzan (LNG: $6,400)

Mid: Care (FPX: $7,400)

Alternate: Doinb (LNG: $6,800)

ADC: Wink (IG: $7,000)

Support: Lucas (IG: $5,200)

Team: FunPlus Phoenix ($5,000)