This seems like a very high price to pay for DWG KIA, but at the same time, it’s tough to make a strong case against them. This is an extremely good, fundamentally sound team, with highly talented and consistent players, so the idea of betting on the outsiders with a map handicap becomes far less appealing.

It’s worth noting that DWG KIA is a team that is in no rush to beat other squads, seeing how well over 50% of their games went to five or more dragons. Moreover, their average game time is just under 32 minutes, which is an exciting angle we could use when approaching betting on this match.

DRX are similar in that aspect, seeing how their average games last for 35:45 (highest in the league). The two teams are also outstanding in Baron control and like to scale rather than rush their opponents down.

Knowing their playstyle, a bet on over 5.5 dragons at $2.25 is an interesting side wager, but we like total map duration (over 32.5 minutes) as our main play for this match.

Hanwha Life Esports are 1-5, which is far from optimal, but their performance metrics are significantly better than their record suggests. So despite what we see, Hanwha Life are not as bad as the market believes.

Liiv SANDBOX are 4-2 with wins against Kwangdong Freecs, KT Rolster, and even DRX, who SANDBOX beat 2-1 last Wednesday. Meanwhile, their only defeats have come against DWG KIA and T1, so it’s fair to say that SANDBOX are shaping up to be a gatekeeping team this split.

Liiv SANDBOX would be the play at better odds, but we wouldn’t take them at $1.36. Instead, we like Hanwha Life Esports with a map handicap, while we also recommend a small play on the outsiders at $3.00 in the head-to-head market.

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