Can NIP continue their run in the LPL summer playoffs by taking down WBG, one of the top teams? Here’s our breakdown heading into the series.
Image Credit: Riot Games
NIP vs WBG – LPL Summer Playoffs Preview
The LPL Summer Playoffs have just begun but it’s already full of surprises. JD Gaming, one of the top teams in the league for the majority of the season, dropped the series against NIP who lost all games during the Summer regular split. It’s probably the biggest upset of the tournament so far, as now JDG is currently facing potential elimination from the regional finals and miss out on Worlds 2024.
For NIP, now, it will be important to continue their run and turn around the disastrous first part of the split. A win against WBG would lock them into a strong position for the LPL regional finals. But can they make another upset? Let’s see what kind of evolution NIP had.
Series Breakdown
Based on how the team has been playing, it looks like NIP has found a better formula for the meta compared to the first part of the season. But most importantly, Leyan’s addition to the roster has brought more firepower and carry potential compared to Aki, who is known for being a more utility based player. In the current iteration of the meta, you need to have someone being able to play carry junglers such as Nidalee, Brand, and more.
While the upset against JDG is impressive, I still doubt NIP has what it takes to beat WBG, who has looked increasingly better from the start of the split. Leyan will face a lot of pressure coming from Tarzan, and I think aside mid lane, the matchups are all in WBG’s favor. That said, it’s common to see teams playing more series getting more accustomed and improving more over a shorter period of time: a game win from NIP would be a strong signal of NIP’s growth. Regardless of who loses, the two teams will have a second chance in the losers’ bracket, so nothing is lost, for now.
Leave a Reply