This article is part of our DraftKings League of Legends series.
DraftKings LoL LCS: Thursday Cheat Sheet
Week Four begins with some interesting European LCS action. Thursday's heavy favorites include Fnatic, Vitality, and H2k with Fnatic having the best match up against GIANTS! Gaming. The remaining two games on the schedule are UoL vs. ROCCAT and Origen vs. G2. Both games should be close, with UoL and G2 favored.
The following players are out this week:
Safir (ROCCAT) replaced by Tabzz
Edward (ROCCAT) replaced by Extinkt
Diamondprox (UoL) replaced by Rudy
Ryu (H2k) replaced by Selfie
Daily Player Recommendations:
Top Lane:
Gamsu (FNC vs. GIA, $6,700): Fnatic is in a good spot to put up fantasy points on Thursday against a GIANTS! team they should destroy. I'm looking at Gamsu to be a split pusher in the top lane and win his lane easily. He has the capability to be a carry top laner and should have no problem picking up fantasy points today.
Other Suggestions: Vizicsacsi (UoL vs. ROC, $6,600), Kikis (G2 vs. OG, $6,100)
Top Lane Player to Avoid:
Cabochard (VIT vs. EL, $6,500): Vitality should win this game, but the fantasy output may not be there. Considering the relative ease in which Vitality could win the game makes me think there are other players in the top lane who provide greater upside than Cabo on Thursday.
Jungle:
Trick (G2 vs. OG, $5,600): I can't pass up Trick for this price. The game should be a close one, which as most of us know by now should equate to more fantasy points potential. Trick has been the best fantasy jungler so far this split and for this cheap price he's easy to lock in the lineup..
Other Suggestions: Spirit (FNC vs. GIA, $6,100), Jankos (H2k vs. SPY, $6,400)
Jungle Player to Avoid:
Shook (VIT vs. EL, $5,900): Like Cabochard, Shook's upside may also be limited even in a win. His price is pretty fair, but he hasn't put up a huge fantasy performance yet this year and I like the upside of Trick, who is also cheaper than Shook on Thursday.
Middle Lane:
Fox (UoL vs. ROC, $7,500): Perkz will most likely be heavily owned this week, for good reason after his dominant performance last week, but I think Fox could be a good pivot. ROCCAT have put up fights in most of their games this season, and despite their losing record (1-5 on the year) I believe they could keep this game close, which in turn would help with fantasy production on both sides. Fox has carried at times for UoL and if he's put on a champion like Zed, he'll look to split push creating opportunities to 1 vs. 1 champions.
Other Suggestions: Perkz (G2 vs. OG, $7,100), Febiven (FNC vs. GIA, $7,700)
Mid Laner to Avoid:
Nukeduck (VIT vs. EL, $7,400): Once again I'm highlighting a Vitality player to avoid. The fantasy production hasn't been there for Nukeduck this season and even in a win his upside is limited. He's priced near the top of his role on Thursday, but the upside of Perkz, PowerOfEvil and even Betsy may be better for a cheaper price.
ADC:
Steelback (UoL vs. ROC, $8,000): Like Fox, I like the opportunity for Steelback to put up big points on Thursday. He has been the main carry thus far for UoL and they will need him to step up again in what should be a closer game than some may expect. He has the upside to be the top ADC on Thursday.
Other Suggestions: Rekkles (FNC vs. GIA, $8,200), Zven (OG vs. G2, $7,400)
ADC Player to Avoid:
Emperor (G2 vs. OG, $7,500): Emperor has played well for G2, but the main carry on the team has been Perkz. Couple that with the fact that Emperor will be laning against Mithy and Zven, who seem to have found their groove again, and it'll make for a tough match up. It's possible OG focuses on Perkz and Emperor steps up to lead G2, but it's a risky assumption.
Support:
Extinkt (ROC vs. UoL, $4,900): Extinkt is my favorite cheap play this week as there isn't many other options that really sway me on way or another. As I've said before, this game may end up being close and Extinkt played much better for ROCCAT last week as he was able to help with engages and set up plays. He may not be the top producing or safest support, but if you want to go cheap I think he's the best bet.
Other Suggestions: Hylissang (UoL vs. ROC, $5,900), Mithy (OG vs. G2, $5,400)
Support Player to Avoid:
Vander (H2k vs. SPY, $6,300): Vander is a safe and solid play in season long leagues, but in daily he presents us with some risk; namely his salary, which doesn't reflect his team's strategy to fast push towers and play objectively in games. I think this game could be systematic contest for H2k as they push down objectives and slowly take away the map from Splyce. Vander probably ends with decent set of points, but I'd bet he won't be worth his high salary Thursday.
Team:
Vitality vs. Elements ($4,500): Vitality is heavily favored Thursday. Though their players have some limited upside, the team is priced in a good spot, residing near the middle of the pack. If you want to go cheaper look at G2 or Origen, but stay away from the teams priced below OG on Thursday.
