Esports action for Thursday, March 4th takes us all around the globe as Michael Lee previews matches from CDL Stage 1 Major and the LoL Pro League. Check out Michael Lee's best Esports betting tips for the day here!
Esports Betting Tips: Thursday, March 4th
Los Angeles Thieves vs Los Angeles Guerrillas
CDL Stage 1 Major
The Call of Duty League (CDL) will serve us with a proper derby between Los Angeles Thieves and Los Angeles Guerrillas, who will clash on Thursday in the Stage 1 Major Winners Bracket.
It would be correct to say Thieves have looked better than their city rivals so far this season with wins against Seattle Surge and London Royal Ravens ahead of this clash, but neither of their opponents put up much of a fight. Despite their success early into the season (4-0), Thieves ended up falling apart against Dallas Empire who handed them a 0-3 loss as a reminder that they're not invincible.
The Guerrillas had an up and down run through the Stage 1 regular season with losses against Florida Mutineers, OpTic Chicago and Atlanta FaZe, but they did more than fine against Paris Legion and Toronto Ultra. They’re essentially a good – but not great team, that might have a chance to compete for higher spots if they find a way to improve as the season goes on.
While Guerrillas did not look too bad, I just don't believe they can defeat Thieves on Thursday. Thomas "TJHaLy" Haly has been on fire during the Super Week and we can't ignore the performances Kenny "Kenny" Williams and Donovan "Temp" Laroda had either. Thieves might not be the strongest team in the league just yet, but they're definitely stronger than Guerrillas.
LA Thieves -1.5 Maps
$1.61
OpTic Chicago vs New York Subliners
CDL Stage 1 Major
Both teams have been playing extremely well in recent weeks, making this match extremely though to call. The New York Subliners are the type of team that might fly under the radar, but with the talent they have and the way they've been playing I would consider them as a dark horse for the Championship.
Last week we got to see just how efficient this team can be, with their high-tempo playstyle, which sees them not only defeat their opponents but dominate them. Can they showcase that here, however, remains to be seen.
OpTic are favoured to win, but we have to remember they only beat Toronto Ultra, Los Angeles Guerrillas, and Florida Mutineers during the Super Week. Those results are not exactly spectacular, however, OpTic have not dropped more than one map in all three bouts.
Subliners went 3-1 during the Super Week with wins against London Royal Ravens, Minnesota Rokkr and Seattle Surge, and one 2-3 loss against Dallas Empire. In that loss, Subliners were 2-0 up, but they choked and lost three maps in a row, which is not a good sight, but it at least proves they have the talent to go toe-to-toe with the best in the league.
If I had to pick a side, I would go with Subliners just because they are a bit underestimated. That said, I like the over 4.5 maps bet better, as I can't imagine this game ending in 3-0 or 3-1 for either side.
Royal Never Give Up vs LNG Esports
LoL Pro League
Royal Never Give Up have established themselves as one of the best Chinese LoL teams in the league mostly because of their excellent objective control and strong macro play. This team essentially has no flaws and are also very versatile, making it very hard to surprise them with some unusual playstyle/ team composition.
There is a long list of things I like about this squad and I could go on and on rambling about how RNG are a near-perfect team, but out of all the things that impress me, it's RNG's composed playstyle that it's by far the biggest positive. They are not a team that will all-in their opponents as if they were in a solo queue game, but they instead patiently wait for a perfect opportunity to strike and so far this approach has been doing wonders for them.
LNG are similar in a way that they like to take things slow, but they tend to make far more errors and are individually weaker. Regardless, LNG's playstyle should match up nicely with RNG to produce a tight game where LNG might even find themselves ahead early on, but eventually, it will be RNG who should come out ahead due to their superior team fighting and overall better macro in the mid-late game.
Since both teams are fairly efficient in taking down towers, a bet on LNG to take the first turret is not a bad bet at 2.19 and should be considered by those looking for some more action on this match. Since I also expect a more back-and-forth game where neither side will try to rush in and risk losing the momentum, a bet on over 31:00 minutes is something some may like as well. For my main prediction, I am siding with RNG to win 2-0.
RNG -1.5 Maps ($1.95)
LNG to Destroy 1st Turret
$2.19
