This article is part of our DraftKings League of Legends series.
UoL and Vitality are basically a coin flip. I like both sides of the matchup, specifically the top side of the map for UoL and the bottom side for Vitality. Misfits couldn't have asked for an easier matchup for their LCS debut, but will need to come prepared as GIANTS won't just roll over. Misfits are very expensive, but I'm not sure they're worth their lofty prices.
Top Lane: Vizicsacsi (UoL vs. VIT, $6,400)
This series is projected to be close overall with neither team being a real heavy favorite. Vizicsacsi is one of the most solid and consistent top laners of the LCS and can carry or play tank top laners with equal effect. Look for him to be on a tank with 10+ assist upside in every game. Alphari has the best matchup, but is hard for me to fit into my lineup at his salary.
Jungle: Xerxe (UoL vs. VIT, $6,000)
I think UoL have an advantage in their jungle during this series and even though I usually shy away from rookies in their first game, Xerxe is cheap and has a lot of hype behind him. Djoko is not an elite jungler, opening up Xerxe to make plays and help UoL to a win.
Middle Lane: Exileh (UoL vs. VIT, $7,100)/Night (GIA vs. MSF, $6,000)
Exileh should be in his element during this split with all the buffs to assassins coming in the preseason. He may get banned out, but can still flourish on wave clear mages. Nukeduck does not scare me and Exileh has been ramping up in the past few months, improving every step of the way. Likewise, PowerOfEvil does not scare me in the slightest. GIANTS have very little chance of winning this series, but Night is a good mid laner who can pick up enough kills to be useable even in two losses.
ADC: Hans sama (MSF vs. GIA, $7,700)/Steeelback (VIT vs. UoL, $7,000)
Misfits have the best matchup of the day and despite Night being a good mid laner, Hans sama should be able to destroy the rest of GIANTS lineup. I'm getting my Misfits exposure from Hans as I think he will at least be a mid tier ADC this year. Going with the UoL top side of the map and VIT bottom side is my strategy today. Steeelback has proven he can carry even weak lineups and with this game being a toss up, I like his chances to pick up multiple kills throughout the series.
Support: Hachani (VIT vs. UoL, $5,200)
I'm stacking Hachani with his marksman for Friday's action as I believe the bottom lane is where VIT can find their main advantage. Hachani struggled with positioning during his season in the LCK last year, but is cheap and has the potential to get 10+ assists in every game of this series.
Team: VIT vs. UoL ($4,500)
This series is a coin flip and for $200 you can get UoL if you'd rather go that way. I'm $100 short in my lineup, but I really don't think there will be much difference between the two sides when all is said and done.
