League Championship Series

January 14th, 2022 (Starts @ 5:30 pm ET)

 

Game 1: (+375) Team Solomid v 100 Thieves (-600)

Game 2: (+400) Golden Guardians v Cloud9 (-650)

Game 3: (+137) Team Solomid v FlyQuest (-175)

Game 4: (+475) Golden Guardians v 100 Thieves (-800)

Game 5: (+205) FlyQuest v Cloud9 (-285)


 

Unlike the other major leagues, the LCS is opening 2022 with a preseason tournament rather than jumping straight into their regular season. LCS fans are going to be able to grab a first look on new lineups, new players, and get excited for their favorite teams for the upcoming season! 

It should be noted that some teams are having to play in this tournament with unfinished lineups because of visa issues and none more than Team Solomid who will be opting to utilize their academy roster rather than use subs for missing players on their main roster. The top of the league looks stronger than ever and some of the lower tier teams are bringing in fresh talent to round out their rosters. With an amazing night of matches ahead of us, let’s dive in!

 

Game Picks:

Game 1: Team Solomid v 100 Thieves

Cann’s Pick: 100 Thieves 
 

Game 2: Golden Guardians v Cloud9

Cann’s Pick: Cloud9
 

Game 3: Team Solomid v FlyQuest 

Cann’s Pick: FlyQuest 
 

Game 4: Golden Guardians v 100 Thieves 

Cann’s Pick: 100 Thieves 
 

Game 5: FlyQuest v Cloud9 

Cann’s Pick: Cloud9  

 

 

Fantasy/DFS Value Breakdown

 

Captain

Favorite: FBI (100: $11,700) The output that FBI has in fantasy is pretty significant. He isn’t always the most kill heavy, but he is almost always present in fights. He had a 68% team kill participation rate in Summer 2021 and a 4.6 KDA. This side of the bracket is pretty weak with TSM bringing their academy roster and Cloud9 having to figure out different roster choices.100 Thieves should have a clear path out of this group and FBI should heavily benefit from the skill difference. 

Value Pick: Blaber (C9: $10,500) 

 

Top 

Favorite: Summit (C9: $6,200) This is an intriguing pick here. I didn’t go Ssumday because technically 100T have two top laners to choose from and to be honest, he is the weakest player on the team. Summit is a very aggressive player who is coming from a more difficult region (LCK) and will be facing one of the weaker top lane classes we have seen. I think his ability to play as a part of team will take time, but his individual skill should show pretty early. 

Value Pick: V1per (TSM: $5,800)

 

Jungle

Favorite: Closer (100: $7,200) I think Blaber is the better top tier jungler on the slate, but looking at the two team matchups that Closer will have today, he definitely have the easier go. In 2021 he had a 72% team kill participation but did so while limiting deaths as seen by his 5.2 KDA. In 26 games played he nearly racked up 100 kills and limited deaths to 48. He is playing two more passive junglers on the slate which should also allow him an easier time making an influence on the game. 

Value Pick: Josedeodo (FLY: $6,800) 

 

Mid

Favorite: Abbedagge (100: $7,600) Total superstar since coming to North America and you could argue that 100 Thieves is only seen as a top tier team because of the influence that Abbedagge has had on this squad. He doesn’t require a ton of resources and most times he can pretty convincingly win lane with no help. Very weak opponents today and as long as there isn’t too much of a World Championship hangover, he should be primed for a big Friday. 

Value Pick: Fudge (C9: $7,400)

 

ADC

Favorite: Johnsun (FLY: $7,200) The bot lane of FLY is really interesting. Johnsun has been on the fringe of the LCS scene since 2017 but has really become more of a mainstay in the last few years. I think the introduction of Aphromoo as a consistent voice to get him through the laning phase and teamfights will be key for him. He has a tendency to let hesitancy make him fall behind in games but with a more resounding voice, I see less opportunities for him to fall behind.

Value Pick: Stixxay (GG: $7,000) 

 

Support

Favorite: huhi (100: $5,600) If there was a player in esports that you would relate to someone like a Tom Brady for his ability to put his team first and himself second, I would pick huhi. He was originally a mid laner who changed to support to fit onto a roster. He now has taken his high mechanical skill and knowledge of the game to help get his carries (or primary damage dealers) ahead in games. He is consistent and has a pretty high floor from match to match. 

Value Pick: Aphromoo (FLY: $5,200) 

 

Team

Favorite: Cloud9 ($5,000) I think for the price, this just makes sense. 100 Thieves is a more secure pick up, but using a 100T roster slot on the team doesn’t make sense. For Cloud9 they usually can come into games with a plan that consistently leads to wins, even if the person carrying changes from match to match. This split has a higher focus on dragons and early fighting and I like the comparison of Cloud9 to Golden Guardians and FlyQuest when it comes to individual skill today. 

Value Pick: Team Solomid ($4,400) 

 

Cann’s Example Lineup

DraftKings Classic ($50,000 Salary Cap)

 

Captain (x1.5): Abbedagge (100: $11,400)

  • Alternate: Blaber (C9: $10,500)

Top:  Summit (C9: $6,200)

Jungle:  Closer (100: $7,200)

Mid: Fudge (C9: $7,400)

  • Alternate: Abbedagge (100: $7,600)

ADC: Johnsun (FLY: $7,200)

Support: huhi (100: $5,600)

  • Alternate: Aphromoo (FLY: $5,200)

Team: FlyQuest ($4,800)