I’ll try and explain why I believe each team will win. Note
that I add percentages to some matches. I believe those have more chance for an
upset.
1. Quarterfinals
CLG – Coast H2H (4-0) Expectations (2-0)
Even when CLG didn’t have Dexter on the team they had no
problems with Team Coast.
CLG has shown they can adapt quickly to new patches and clearly have a better
mid/late game than Coast. If ZionSpartan or Shiphtur don’t get too big in the
early game, CLG will just walk over them with good rotations and objective
control. Dexter just has to control the pace of the game, and lane swapping can
lessen the impact Zion has early in
the game. Link can definitely handle himself against Shiphtur and the rush hour
botlane has not shown fear of to many other botlanes. If both teams get evenly
strong team comps then CLG should have no problems closing out the series in two
quick games.
Dignitas – Curse H2H (1-3) Expectations (2-1) 60-40%
Curse has been in a weak spot the last couple of weeks and
will need to prove themselves during the playoffs. A win against CLG (who were
obviously not taking the game seriously and had problems with the Shen bug)
doesn’t convince me that Curse is back. Even though Curse has a lead in the
head to head, Dig won the last game and has shown much improvement since Scarra
stepped down as mid and became the full-time coach of Dignitas. Both teams have
some unorthodox picks and might surprise each other with that, but Dig has
shown that they can adapt quickly. Curse could definitely take a game off
Dignitas with some strong picks or early snowballing but Dig shouldn't be
surprised twice and I give them a good chance of winning the series 2-1 or even
2-0. Curse can’t be underestimated and will definitely show a good match, I
give them a 40% chance of actually making an upset and winning the series but I
do not expect them to actually win it.
2. Semifinals
TSM – CLG H2H (3-1) Expectations (1-2) 35-65%
Fans will hate me for this but I just think TSM is a bit
weaker these days. They also admitted to having problems adjusting to new
patches. With patch 4.5 being such a big one, CLG will have a clear advantage
in that point. TSM got a few blows during Super Week, losing to last place XDG
and getting (sorry for my words) crushed by C9. CLG had a much better game
against C9 and were on a mission the last day of Super Week. CLG has admitted
that TSM is a strong (maybe even stronger) opponent, and much will be decided
in the pick and ban phase. TSM can choose which side they start on, so they have
a small edge in that if they want to counterpick mid twice or just have the
strong first pick jungle/adc. TSM wins most of their games by having strong
lanes and forcing team fights in the mid game so they can take an objective
after they win that fight.
Dexter is a bit stronger in the jungle than OddOne. If CLG
can have even lane match-ups, they should have the edge transitioning into the
mid/late game. They have stronger rotations and are clearly better in lane swapping.
If Bjergsen and Dyrus don’t get too big, Dexter should be able to control the
pace of the game until his team's rotations help them close out the game. Much
will be decided in the botlane since both botlanes have shown they can carry
the game. Wildturtle’s Twitch can’t be underestimated and neither supports
should be given Thresh for free. Dyrus might not be the shining star of TSM,
but he's been their rock for a long time and will have to be at his best if TSM
wants a chance to win this series. I believe CLG can win this series 2-1, but
TSM will not just roll over and die. I do fear their slow adjustments to new
patches and worse objective control/jungle early will cost them. Whatever the
outcome may be, this should be one hell of a series to watch for all the fans.
Cloud 9 – Dignitas H2H (3-1) Expectations (2-0)
Cloud 9 has been on fire. They evened their win streak
record and after being in TSM’s shadow for most of the split, they want to show
they are still the number one team in NA. Dignitas beat them once in the start
of the split but these aren’t the same teams anymore. C9’s rotations are almost
perfect and even if the lanes falter, Meteos can step up and solo the game.
Dignitas will not surprise Cloud 9 with special picks. All
lanes are solid and if one gets behind, the rest will step up to carry the
game. Dignitas fans might hope on a miracle but a focused C9 is almost
unbeatable. Dropping only seven games in two splits and ending number one in
both those splits tells enough, in my opinion. The team also has the biggest
KDA and much better synergy than the new Dignitas with Goldenglue. This will
probably be the most one-sided series of the playoffs and is mostly just
preparation for C9 to win the playoffs. Dignitas should just try and show they
can perform and take lessons for the third place match against TSM.
3. 5th and 3rd place
match.
Coast – Curse H2H (1-3) Expectations (2-1) 50-50%
Both teams are at the bottom of the table and have problems
being consistent. Coast has shown some improvement in the last few weeks and I
always have the feeling they can win the game they are playing. Like Scarra
said, up until they lose the game, they're winning. Shiphtur and Zion
are incredible sololaners and show time and again that they can take control of
a game. But winning is a team effort and league is a five man game, so the rest
of Coast will need to step up to help get themselves out of relegations.
Curse shows some life now and then but they lack consistency
and a solid plan when going into pick and ban phase. If Coast can pick up LeBlanc
or Nidalee for Shiphtur, then Curse will have a lot of problems dealing with both
him and the always strong Zionspartan in the top lane. I feel those two might
be just enough for Coast and they can avoid relegations if the rest of the team
just doesn’t fall behind in this match. Curse has the advantage in the head to
head standings and might take that to the playoffs but will not have it easy. I
believe both teams are evenly matched but Coast will take the series on the
backs of Shiphtur and mostly Zionspartan.
Dignitas – TSM H2H (0-4) Expectations (0-2) 30-70%
TSM will be hungry for the victory after their most likely
close loss to CLG and will not give Dignitas an easy time. The head to head
record shows that TSM have had no problems with Dignitas this split and I think
that will continue into the playoffs. Bjergsen will have little issues with Goldenglue
and the superior laning should give TSM the match quite convincingly. Dignitas
should definitely show some strength after their games against C9, but I
believe TSM will win this match without many issues.
4. The Finals
Cloud 9 – CLG H2H (3-1) Expectations (3-1) 60-40%
Cloud 9 proved to be the superior team in their last two
meetings with CLG and, with near flawless rotations, they deserve the number
one seed they earned this split. But they showed some weakness in their last
game against Coast, and CLG will exploit any weakness that they can find. The
pick and ban phase of every game will be very important for the outcome of the
match. Both Cloud 9 and CLG have great rotations and the small skirmishes
around objectives like dragon will probably decide the outcome of every game.
Dexter and Meteos will watch each other, and the team that
wins the jungle battle will most likely come out victorious. If their latest
match in Super Week was a taste, then this will definitely be the best series
of the weekend. I expect both teams to show everything they have, but C9 will
have a clear edge because they are the older and a more consistent team. Dexter
has made big impacts for CLG and they will keep growing, but C9 has proven and
should prove that they are still the number one team in NA.
5. Persons to watch
Zionspartan is the strongest player from Coast and is also
their voice. If the team gets into late game, he will be the man that gives the
commands and will lead Coast to victory. Not just through skill but through
leadership. If he has a good game and the team doesn’t fall behind, anything
can happen for Coast.
Bjergsen is maybe new to the shot caller role but he'll need
to be at the top of his game if TSM wants to end in the top three and maybe
even win the playoffs. TSM is solid and will fight for every game, and Bjergsen
will definitely not be easy on his opponents. Watch out for TSM when they get
to the midgame with a good teamfighting comp or with Bjergsen on LeBlanc in a
strong pickcomp. Even his Syndra should spread fear to his opponents and not to
be underestimated. TSM won’t win or break with Bjergsen but he will have a big
part in their victory.
Meteos and Dexter: Both junglers help their team immensely
during the early game and their control around dragons and buffs will determine
the success of their matches. Both junglers should be feared, but note that
without their team they can be punished for aggressive behavior. Meteos might
opt more to farm and Dexter to roam but if they get a small lead, they will be
aggressive and dominating throughout every game.
These are my predictions for the NA LCS playoffs. Whatever
you might believe or agree too, just support your team and enjoy the matches. They
should be amazing!
