GAMES (EDT)
- 9:00 p.m: Team SoloMid (TSM) vs. 100 Thieves (100)
- 9:45 p.m: Team Liquid (TL) vs. Evil Geniuses (EG)
For detailed player and team stats, check out the
TSM vs. 100
The slate kicks off with a close matchup between 100 Thieves and TSM. TSM are coming off two straight losses, while 100 Thieves come into the match on a three-game win streak that includes handing Cloud9 their first loss of the split. 100 Thieves likely are the chalk here, as they are riding high and playing much better since moving Contractz and Poome into the starting lineup. The thing with 100 Thieves is that they constantly love to disappoint, and just when you start to trust them, that's when they'll let you down the most. I'm not saying they can't win here, but this is still a middle-of-the-road team that lacks true upside, while TSM should be looking at this as a prime spot to bounce back. I like TSM because I think they end up lower owned, but if playing multiple lineups I'd get in on both sides, as this truly is a 50/50 type matchup. If TSM weather the early storm from 100 Thieves, I like them to win out in the long run behind Doublelift and Bjergsen. New support Treatz was destroying the academy scene, and as long as he's had ample time to mesh with Doublelift, this should be an upgrade for TSM over Biofrost. 100 Thieves'
GAMES (EDT)
- 9:00 p.m: Team SoloMid (TSM) vs. 100 Thieves (100)
- 9:45 p.m: Team Liquid (TL) vs. Evil Geniuses (EG)
For detailed player and team stats, check out the
TSM vs. 100
The slate kicks off with a close matchup between 100 Thieves and TSM. TSM are coming off two straight losses, while 100 Thieves come into the match on a three-game win streak that includes handing Cloud9 their first loss of the split. 100 Thieves likely are the chalk here, as they are riding high and playing much better since moving Contractz and Poome into the starting lineup. The thing with 100 Thieves is that they constantly love to disappoint, and just when you start to trust them, that's when they'll let you down the most. I'm not saying they can't win here, but this is still a middle-of-the-road team that lacks true upside, while TSM should be looking at this as a prime spot to bounce back. I like TSM because I think they end up lower owned, but if playing multiple lineups I'd get in on both sides, as this truly is a 50/50 type matchup. If TSM weather the early storm from 100 Thieves, I like them to win out in the long run behind Doublelift and Bjergsen. New support Treatz was destroying the academy scene, and as long as he's had ample time to mesh with Doublelift, this should be an upgrade for TSM over Biofrost. 100 Thieves' best chances are through Ssumday in the top lane, with Contractz continuing his insane form coming off last weekend.
Prediction: TSM win
- TSM Players to Target: Bjergsen ($7,600), Doublelift ($7,800), Treatz ($6,000), TSM ($5,200)
- 100 Players to Target: Ssumday ($6,000), Contractz ($6,400), CodySun ($7,600), Poome ($4,800), 100 Team ($4,600)
TL vs. EG
On paper, this looks like a Team Liquid spot, but you may need to get a little weird and use Evil Geniuses to differentiate lineups on this two-game slate. Team Liquid have won five straight games, while Evil Geniuses have lost three of their last four and have replaced Kumo and Jiizuke with Huni and GoldenGlue starting this weekend. While I expect Team Liquid to win, it's not crazy to think Evil Geniuses can pull off an upset, but it'll need to likely be in a snowballed fashion and I'm just not sure the game ends up being a fast-paced blood-fest. These are two slow teams that sit at the bottom of the league in kills during wins, with Team Liquid averaging 13 kills per win and EG averaging just 12. Could EG pull off a style change with Huni entering the lineup? Maybe, and again, playing EG is likely a good way to differentiate yourself on this slate, but the safe money is on TL continuing their good run of form in a slow game.
Prediction: TL Win
