LCS Summer Playoffs 2020: Loser’s R3: C9 Vs. EG
Who would have thought that we would see Cloud9 in the loser’s bracket so early? After a resounding defeat to FlyQuest in the Winner’s Semi-finals matchup, C9 now has to deal with a hungry Evil Geniuses who are looking for a shot at revenge. C9 looked completely out of their element, as they were dragged around at FLY’s pace the entire series, and only picking up a win when FLY dropped the ball. EG, on the other hand, seemed to fight their way back on their own, nearly completing the reverse sweep. Because of this, the odds may be much closer than you think, as long as you have the guts to go for them. Here are some of my favorite picks in the EG Vs. C9 matchup, and how I think it will play out.
All odds provided by GG.Bet and Midnite.com. I am not endorsed by either company in any way.
Head to Head Records
Time and time again, NA has proved that the regular summer split holds little to no meaning over the outcome of the game itself. Top teams have consistently not shown up, while those in the middle of the pack have stepped up in big ways. As such, take these statistics and predictions with a grain of salt.
From the regular season, C9 are 1–1 with EG, having beaten them during the second week of the split, then falling to them in the 6th week. Just going off of regular season split information, C9 should have a strong advantage after going 13–5 whereas EG went 8–10. This lines up with the odds of C9 being the favorites with a 1.17 odds over EG who are at 4.76 to win the match.
However, we then need to factor in the playoffs so far. C9 had their disastrous loss to FLY 1–3, as they showed they have drastic issues from their usual proactive and aggressive playstyle. Namely, Nisqy and Zven seemed completely outclassed by POE and Wildturtle. EG, on the other hand, has only one real wildcard in Goldenglue. After his poor performance against FLY, he and the rest of EG were able to cleanly sweep 100T completely under the rug. The question now comes down to if EG are able to put Nisqy and Zven on tilt, and if C9 ever recovered from their demoralizing loss?
Safe Bets
Series Winner: C9 (1.17)/(1.23) — GG.Bet/Midnite.com
I’ve bet on the favored team to win multiple times as a safe betting option, and constantly, I have been proven wrong. However, I have hopes that Jack and the rest of the C9 squad will not allow themselves to fall this far from grace after securing 2nd place in the regular split. Given the lane dominance they have shown before, if they are able to properly face their opponent and not give in to early game mistakes, taking EG for a ride should be relatively easier than facing off against FLY. This puts my safe bet pick onto C9 for this series.
However, that will be my only safe pick this time around.
Medium Risk Bets
Correct Map Score: C9 3–2 (4.95) — GG.Bet
Going up a step in terms of risky betting, the thought of C9 dropping a few games weighs heavily on everyone’s minds. They were sloppy, uncoordinated, and lacked confidence in their last series, which can grant an opportunity for EG to get some wins in and look for that all important victory. However, I do not believe that EG will be able to take C9 in a game 5 scenario where the pressure is absolutely immense. EG have already faltered once at that doorstep, and I feel they may do it again against C9 if a game 5 occurs. As such, for a risky bet, I’d put the map score at C9 3–2 and give a small benefit of the doubt to EG to have a few good games this series.
Total Maps: Over 4.5 (3.62) — GG.Bet
So far, there have been numerous 3–0s in the lower sided brackets. TSM swept DIG 3–0, albeit not in a pretty fashion, and EG were able to sweep 100T in a grueling 3–0 as well. However, with the loss to FLY last series, and the confidence EG has gained from a 3–0 series win, I feel that we’ll see the gap close between these two teams a bit. Asking for a 5 game series wouldn’t be unfathomable, as EG already found themselves once in a game 5 scenario. If they can catch C9 slipping early on, a game 5 thriller could easily be in store for us.
Outlier Bets
Series Winner: EG (4.76)/(4.00) — GG.Bet/Midnite.com
For those that are extreme gamblers, or for those that are just diehard EG fans, here is your chance to put your money on the line. As stated previously, the statistics and odds are drastically in C9’s favor for a series win. However, in their loss to FLY, they have shown that they may not have the confidence in the playoffs to pull a series win off. It will definitely be grueling, but an EG victory is a small possibility. If you wish to take that small chance and run with it, I’d say this is a good outlier bet to go with.
All games First Blood: C9 (1.69) — Midnite.com
First blood calls are always tricky to call. Since the kills are heavily influenced by what champions are selected, making a call for who can get first blood has almost no substantial ground to stand on. However, of the two teams, C9 were able to get first blood in 50% of the games they have played in playoffs so far, as well as 61% of the time from the regular season. EG, on the other hand, only got first blood 38% of the time during their playoff run so far, and have gotten first blood 56% of the time from the regular summer split. For a flip flop prediction, I’d give this one to C9 to try and make some bold early moves for a kill.
These are my picks for some of the odds and predictions of the Cloud9 Versus Evil Geniuses matchup. What are your thoughts? Who do you have as the victor in the upcoming match? Let me know in the comments! As always, please gamble responsibly, and seek professional help for any gambling addictions.