With just two weeks left in the 2020 LCS Spring Split, the race for playoffs is tighter then ever. With the LCS returning this weekend, several key matchups will be taking place. Although Golden Guardians are one game out of playoffs, they are one of five teams at 7-7 or 6-8. With three spots to be shared amongst them, anything can happen. Here is a look at each of the teams that GG will be fighting with.
Team Liquid (6-8)
The other 6-8 team tied with Golden Guardians, Team Liquid are having a disappointing season. After four straight LCS Championship wins and finals at MSI, they have struggled mightily this year. The team is stacked with talent but has not been able to click yet. Golden Guardians won the first matchup of the season and currently wins in a tiebreaker scenario. The two teams face off on the rift this weekend and the winner has much more control over their playoff destiny. However, Golden Guardians are in a better position. Even if they lose to TL, if the teams are tied at the end of the season they will most likely get a second chance in a knockout tiebreaker match.
Team Liquid has a tough schedule for the rest of the season, facing off against Cloud 9, FlyQuest, and Evil Geniuses. Even if they beat GG and EG, it still might not be enough to guarantee a playoff spot. Although the team has the talent to make the run, it will not be an easy one. With the current form the Golden Guardians have shown, they are probably favored in the matchup this weekend. A victory also puts them way ahead of Team Liquid in the playoff hunt. TL would need to win at least two of their other games while hoping GG loses out to avoid a tiebreaker with them.
Immortals (7-7)
Immortals had a hot start to the season but have struggled as of late. Sitting at 7-7, they would own a playoff spot if the season ended today but they certainly aren’t comfortable. They play FlyQuest, TSM, Dignitas, and Evil Geniuses to round out the season. The first two games, against the second and third seeds, are must-wins if IMT want to guarantee a spot in the top four. With the playoff format changes this season, top four is even more important because a team can guarantee themself at least two best of five series. The fifth and sixth seeds start in the lower bracket and are eliminated with a single series loss. Those two games will not be easy, however, both FlyQuest and TSM have looked hot and Immortals have not.
If Immortals fail to beat Dignitas or EG, they most likely miss the playoffs entirely. Evil Geniuses have looked stronger recently, and Dignitas have shown flashes of brilliance. With their playoff spot far from secure, Week 9 will most likely be do or die for this team. If one of the top six were to fall out of playoffs, it would probably be Immortals or 100 Thieves just based off of their record and strength of schedule.
Evil Geniuses (7-7)
EG are 3-1 in their last four games and seem to be gelling nicely as a team. Of the five teams on the bubble, they are the most in control of their own destiny. They face off against Team Liquid, Dignitas, Cloud 9, and Immortals. As long as they beat the teams at or below them in the standings, they should make it. Even if they lose to Immortals, they won the first matchup of the split and would most likely get a tiebreaker. If they continue with the form they are in, a 3-1 finish is a very real possibility.
100 Thieves (7-7)
The highest-ranked team in the article also has the furthest to fall. They have a brutal schedule of the top three teams in the league (C9, TSM, and Flyquest) as well as CLG. Although they are in last place, CLG has shown a lot of spunk and are happy to play the role of spoiler – so even that game is not a guarantee. Midlaner Ryoma has been a question mark all split and will be facing four superb veteran mid laners. If he is not able to keep up, the season could quickly crumble just before the finish line. 100T will need Ssumday or Cody Sun to step up and hard carry in order to pull off some upsets and hold on to their spot.
Golden Guardians (6-8)
Based on the schedules of the teams they are facing, Golden Guardians are in a decent spot. The games against Team Liquid and CLG are must-wins. With that, they would be at 8-8 with a winning tiebreaker over both Dignitas and Team Liquid. TSM and FlyQuest will be tough games to win. If they pull off the upset, then their chances of playoffs increase substantially; however, if they lose, it does not put the postseason out of reach. They will still need a little help from another team to free up a spot. Based on the outlook for the other teams though, this is not a far fetched possibility.
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James Clee
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