RADIO
Hello there, LoL enthusiasts, and welcome back to RotoBaller's coverage of LCS for the Summer split on FanDuel and DraftKings.
Going down the stretch here we have seen some funny things in the LCS. C9 has now lost two in a row for the first time in forever and no team has really emerged behind them to take another top seed. There are some pretty good matchups here today, and the results of today's matches could have playoff ramifications later on in the season.
Today I'll be bringing you my League of Legends DFS picks, advice, and analysis for the four-game LCS slate on FanDuel and DraftKings that locks on Sunday, July 19th, at 4:00 PM. Feel free to follow me on Twitter @Governor98. Thanks for reading, now let's get to the strategy and picks!
League of Legends DFS Basics
Since LCS contests are being offered on both FanDuel and DraftKings, it's important to note some pricing discrepancies from site to site, but the roster slots, scoring, and roster construction rules are almost entirely identical with the only exception being that FanDuel forces you to roster at least one player (or team slot) from a third team, while you can play only two teams among your seven roster slots on DraftKings.
- Stacking in LoL DFS lineups is very important. 4-3 stacks are the order of the day (on DraftKings) with 3-3-1 becoming more popular (and necessary on FanDuel) as people try to differentiate their lineups in these suddenly large-field GPPs.
- In LoL DFS, it is very important to focus on players from winning teams. Think in terms of baseball, one side of the matchup is like a pitcher and the other side the batter. This means there is a very negative correlation between teams in the same match. Players score by accumulating kills, which costs the other side points in deaths. Just like earned runs bring down your pitcher’s score.
- Along with this another mistake I see beginners making is trusting average scoring. Players' scoring potential is only realized in games that are won. If player X averages 50 DKP, that likely comes from scoring 70 in a 2-0 win and 30 in an 0-2 defeat. What this means is that someone who looks like a value at $4800 suddenly might not end up being such a great point-per-dollar play.
- Finally, you're going to want to do your best you fill your captain slot with an ADC or MID. Depending on which teams and players you decide to stack that might not be feasible. The order of preference for your captain slot is generally ADC, MID, JNG, TOP, SUP. Some players in some positions may stand out above the others so consider stats like kill share before you make your final decision.
Game 1: TL (-345) vs. 100T
This first matchup features two teams that have been improving in recent weeks. TL has won their last six games, and 100T are still riding the high of beating C9, even though they lost a close game to TSM on Friday. TL has been very controlled in their recent contests scoring at least 25 DK points in five out of their last six contests. They have secured four dragons and two barons in each of their last three games.
This controlled style is a nice change of pace from all the rest of the league who seem to only do proactive plays if their opponent makes an error. I like TL to do something similar here in this one. I think that TL can control the map and get the objectives, and ultimately win the game. The usual suspects should be in good spots but I'd pay special attention to Jensen. We try to take advantage of Ryoma when we can and I think this is an opportunity to do so. TL in this one to start the day.
Top TL Plays: Jensen, CoreJJ, Tactical, Broxah, TL team, Impact
Game 2: FLY vs. C9 (-500)
C9 is in their first losing streak in over a calendar year currently and it will be interesting to see if people start to try and play their opponents more now that they are seeing C9 lose. To cut to the chase, I'm going to take C9 here. I mean they are just too good to keep losing like this. They aren't necessarily playing badly but it looks like the communication is off. I expect them to get that figured out and get back on track. I think that C9 has a significant edge through the bot and top lanes. I think JNG and MID are relatively even but definitely still viable options.
Top C9 PLays: Zven, Licorice, Blaber, Nisqy, Vulcan, C9 Team
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Game 3: CLG (-140) vs. IMT
These next two matches are very interesting. In this first one we have a matchup between CLG and IMT, both of whom are coming off of losses yesterday. Both of these teams are towards the bottom in kills per game with CLG averaging 11.4 and IMT averaging just 7.2. They are also both in the top six in-game duration which means this one may go for a while but not have much blood.
I think what this really means is that these teams lose matches that are stalled out against teams that have sloppy macro and can't end games but since they are on the losing end they don't get many kills. It's really hard to take a side here, both teams have their strengths in the mid lane and neither team really has an edge in any other lane. IMT has been playing well but hasn't gotten anything to show for it in the win column. I think I would lean IMT slightly. CLG is very cheap on FD so I think they may take the edge over there but I think either team is viable in the right lineup construction.
Top IMT Plays: Insanity, Apollo, Allorim, Xmithie, Hakuho
Top CLG Plays: Pobeltor, Stixxay, Ruin/Deus, Wiggly, Smoothie
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Game 4: GGS (-190) vs. DIG
DIG has been a fun story over the recent weeks, winning 3 games in a row. They have brought together some LCS vets and are impressing some around the league. GGS hasn't been shabby either, beating IMT yesterday. Closer has been really good in setting up his teammates for success. I actually am getting a feeling that GGS may be slightly inflated for ownership as they are on the cheaper side on DK, and although I do give them a slight edge, it's far from a certainty.
I expect GGS to ban Riven, which makes V1per a worse option, as that is his main champ and if GGS can keep Fenix off of a big carry like Azir I think GGS can snowball this game away from DIG and take the win. A DIG win would most likely come from advantages in the bot lane, which has been solid for DIG all season, so look for Dardoch to play through Johnsun and Aphromoo. This one will be very interesting to see who can take advantage of the oppurtunities and take the game.
Top GGS plays: Closer, Damonte, Hauntzer, FBI Huhi, GGS team
Top DIG plays: Johnsun, Fenix, Dardoch, Aphromoo, V1per
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Summary
- Favorite stacks: TL, C9, GGS, IMT(DK)
- I'm expecting C9/GGS, or TL/ GGS to be quite chalky and the popular cash builds.
- Players are listed in the order that I prefer playing them.
On that note, if anyone has any questions or needs some suggestions, feel free to @ me in the RotoBaller Slack chatrooms.
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Be sure to check back throughout the week as we'll be publishing daily ESports DFS articles, analysis and lineup picks for Call of Duty, League Of Legends, and Counter-Strike. Thanks for reading, and good luck RotoBallers!
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RotoBaller Testimonials
Readers of RotoBaller's eSports DFS articles have been winning money on DraftKings and FanDuel regularly. Some of them are winning contests daily and bringing in some serious cheddar. Check one out below and lots more here!Did you read a RotoBaller article and win too? Send us your screenshots on Twitter @RotoBaller and we'll add it to our winners Hall Of Fame!
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