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Jason Malmanger's expert League of Legends (LoL) DFS advice and DraftKings lineup picks for LPL and LCK slates on 4/5/20. His top LoL value plays and eSports DFS recommendations.
Welcome to RotoBaller's League of Legends DFS column. We'll continue ramping up our analysis for LoL DFS all week, bringing you the insight you need to succeed. With six more games on the docket tonight in the LPL and LCK and the LCS and LEC playoffs in full swing, it's an excellent time for ESports DFS enthusiasts like myself and the number of contests on FanDuel and DraftKings continues to grow.
After a weird night in which the LPL postponed their games, and the LCK chalk failed to hit were back to the new normal tonight. LCK features one top five match and two bottom half showdowns. LPL has the game of the week on tap with RNG facing IG. The other two LPL matches are still intriguing as well.
Today, I'll be providing my League of Legends advice, analysis, and picks, for this LPL/LCK slate on DraftKings that locks at 2:00 AM on Sunday, April 5th, 2020. Make sure you are following me on Twitter @Mr_Malmanger as I often post starting lineups when I see them and other useful info for the slate.
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LCK Matches
2:00 AM: T1 (-375) vs. Damwon Gaming
LCK has its best match of the night as the opener. First place T1 faces fifth place DWG in a game with serious playoff implications - T1 are the big favorites here. They are looking to secure the first spot in the LCK playoffs. DWG has, however, played T1 very close.
Since joining the league, DWG actually has a winning record vs. T1 in series. They lead 4-3 even though the games are even at ten apiece. DWG likes to focus the top half of their map trying to get top-laner Nuguri ahead early. They have the advantage over T1 here. They place a much higher priority on the rift herald and have better first turret numbers as a result.
This strat will be their win condition tomorrow. T1 is better late and focus their bot lane more. Since adding ghost to the starting lineup DWG has gone 3-1 with their only loss being to GEN G. T1 is the first-place team, and as such, it's hard to call for them to lose to anyone. DWG has my interest here. They have a shot to win and a shot to bring out the best in T1 in a loss.
Teddy - T1 - ADC ($7,800)
In the first match vs DWG in week three Teddy put 101 DKP in a close 2-1 win. He leads his team in KP%. Getting him going vs. DWG is one of T1's main win conditions. Ghost has looked and scored well in DWG's most recent games, but Teddy is the better player.
Canna - T1 - TOP ($6,800)
He has held down the top lane for T1. He leads the league in KP% for top-laners. He is flexible with 13 different champions played so T1 can spend draft capital elsewhere and allow Canna to stand on his own. He will need some support from whoever T1 decides to start in the jungle, but his ability to hold up under the early pressure from DWG will be key to T1 picking up the win.
Nuguri - DWG - TOP ($5,600)
Nuguri leads the league in kill share for top-laners. Often drawing comparisons to theshy for his ability to carry a game, Nuguri will be at the center of what DWG looks to do.
Canyon - DWG - JNG ($5,000)
In the first match vs. T1, Canyon put up 70 DKP in a loss. He is the lowest priced jungler on the slate. T1 has had some instability in the jungle swapping between rookie Ellim and veteran Cuzz. He will be visiting the top lane frequently, trying to get Nuguri ahead and or bail him out as T1 targets him. With his price, I like him even as a value one-off, or part of a small DWG stack.
5:00 AM: Griffin vs. APK Prince (-190)
Much like most of the LCK, I may have underestimated APK in the past. The time for that has passed. They are on the rise, and Griffin remains stuck. Griffin has looked to shake up their starting lineups recently looking for a spark.
I like APK to continue their recent run of form here. They are among the lowest priced favorites on the slate, and as such, I believe they are a good value for Sunday. Griffin is last in the league for a reason, actually many of them. APK has substantial advantages in many areas, both early and late game.
Flawless - JNG - ($6,600)
APK's jungler is beginning to show some upside. He hit 100 DKP in both of his last two matches and is in another good spot here. He sits second on the team in KP%. Its been a long journey for Flawless since leaving JDG, but he seems to have found a home with APK.
HyBriD - ADC ($7,600)
The fifth highest priced ADC on the slate HyBriD has displayed slate breaking potential. Going over 100 DKP in his last three, HyBriD is the team leader in KP%. His Ezreal play has been good, and he excels on Kaisa, who is coming back into play.
8:00 AM: Afreeca Freecs (-215) vs. Hanwa Life Esports
This game might be the worst match ever to put at the end of the slate. LCK lineups do not come out ahead of lock for any other game than the first one. So here we have two bottom-tier teams that continuously change their lists around in a close difficult to call matchup as the late hammer.
There is just no need to do it to yourself here. Too many moving parts and inconsistent players and lineups. FULL FADE.
LPL Matches
2:00 AM: Jingdond Gaming (-325) vs. Li-Ning Gaming
LNG has been in free fall, losing four games straight. JDG is getting back on track after facing some top tier competition. The biggest news here is that JDG is getting its starting top-laner Zoom back.
They are the better team here, and now they are getting back a big piece of their roster. This game has sweep written all over it.
Zoom - TOP - ($6,000)
Even with all the subs, esports typically doesn't have a free square lock button type of play. This play is as close as it comes. Zoom has been under quarantine in the Hubei province. He has been with this team since its inception so he should be able to jump back in and resume his rightful place as one of the top top-laners in the league.
Kanavi - JNG - ($7,600)
So with all the money I'm saving on Zoom, I'll be looking to reinvest it here into Kanavi. XX has not been good recently. He is a liability to the LNG squad in his current form. He has nearly an 80% KP, and with this matchup, his upside is very nice.
5:00 AM: Billibilli Gaming vs. Edward Gaming (-315)
I want to take BLG here to upset EDG, but with the confusing way they have been drafting, I think I will lay off the hard upset call. EDG are better at objective control, and have better gold generation. Stats point to EDG winning this match, but I can't shake the feeling that it feels like a letdown spot for them.
ADD is starting for BLG; between that and my love of Meteor, I think BLG has a good shot at upsetting. Officially though EDG wins 2-1. They are expensive plays on Sunday, and I believe BLG steal a game and limit their upside. I will have limited exposure here.
Hope - ADC - ($8,400)
He leads the team in kill participation, kill share, and fantasy points. He finishes what Scout starts. He is the most expensive player on the slate. Without a sweep, he may not be able to pay off that price. I love hope here and would pair him with Meiko if I decide to go here. EDG need to figure out getting Meiko back onto engage champions and letting him run wild.
7:00 AM: Invictus Gaming (-215) vs. Royal Never Give Up
We've got another LPL game of the week here involving RNG. Invictus, more like "Inigma." IG is unquantifiable, but their stats don't tell their story. They have better baron take numbers than RNG.
RNG has better drake stats and tends to focus bot side with or without UZI. Invictus damage numbers are off the charts. They think they can fight their way out of any situation n, and unfortunately, they're usually correct. They have excellent target selection. When engaging in fights Leyan, ning, or theshy dive all the way to the enemy back-line without fear.
They are willing to trade their lives for that of an opposing carry. They know their team has their back. RNG being a top team makes it all the more likely good Invictus show up. In their series vs. TES, and FPX IG has come to play. I think this is the case tonight as well.
Puff - ADC - ($8,200)
IG's new ADC leads the team with 33% of their total kills. Rookie is the leader in KP%, but it has been Puff who's been finishing those fights. In the meaningful matches vs. FPX and TES, he's eclipsed 110 DKP both times. I expect a similar performance today in a similar matchup.
Leyan - JNG - ($7,000)
Leyan is a bit of a scary pick here due mainly to the risk of him being subbed out. That risk is why we're able to get him as the fourth most expensive jungler on the slate. While I would respect the sub risk in cash n games I'll roll the dice in him in GPP for the savings and upside.
Looking Forward
With LPL and LCK overnight slates continuing through mid-April, we here at RotoBaller have got you covered. The League of Legends DFS action never stops. The LEC and LCS playoffs are in full swing, and EU Masters kicks off next week.
Be sure to check back throughout the week as we'll be publishing daily ESports DFS articles, analysis and lineup picks for League Of Legends, Counter Strike, Rocket League and eNASCAR. Thanks for reading, and good luck RotoBallers!
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