Ninjas in Pyjamas vs BIG Prediction: Swedes keep playing without a sniper

The first major of 2022 has come to an end. FaZe Clan has confirmed its status as the best team in the world, while Team Spirit has once again proved that it is possible to achieve results with young players. The IEM Dallas 2022 awaits us, with almost all the strongest teams in the world coming to the event. Had it not been for visa problems, the list of participants would have been even stronger. Nevertheless, 16 teams, 14 of which are in the top 20 in the world ranking, will start on May 30 for the champion title and the prize fund of $250,000. The CIS region will be represented by Cloud9, which failed in the majors and is eager to prove to the new organization that it did not believe in the Russian lineup in vain.

On May 30, Ninjas in Pyjamas and BIG will play their opening match at IEM Dallas 2022. The Swedish squad continues to play without their sharpshooter, which doesn't stop them from producing good results. Whether the Germans from BIG will be able to beat a formidable opponent, we'll find out very soon.

Ninjas in Pyjamas: They must win

Ninjas in Pyjamas have done well in the PGL Major Antwerp 2022. The team was able to reach the tournament's playoffs, where they lost to FaZe Clan. The Swedes only lost twice in the main part of the major, which looks like an excellent result, especially when you know that they only lost to FaZe Clan and Natus Vincere. Ninjas in Pyjamas continue to play without their sniper. Device was supposed to be the main star of the team, the man who would lead NiP to more victories, but he is constantly injured and hardly plays for the Swedish squad. It feels like someone has been badly cheated.

Nevertheless, today's strength is enough to qualify for the playoffs of major tournaments, which should suit the organization. As for the upcoming match, Ninjas in Pyjamas will get rid of Vertigo and Dust2. BIG looks like the favorite on these maps, and in bo1, the Swedes won't allow playing on them. Also, NiP must get rid of Mirage, on which the teams' chances are roughly equal. It makes no sense for the collective to take any chances, especially considering recent losses on this map from Bad News Eagles with a score of 6-16 and from Astralis with a score of 1-16. All other maps look like good options for Ninjas in Pyjamas.

BIG: A happy accident

BIG only managed to finish 12-14th at the PGL Major Antwerp 2022. The team won only one match on the Legends Stage and was noticeably inferior to their opponents. At IEM Dallas 2022, the Germans didn't make it either. The team lost to MOUZ 0-2 and did not get a slot. Nevertheless, due to visa problems of some teams, BIG received an invitation to the tournament. However, whether the team that couldn't make it through the closed qualifiers will be able to show anything is a big question. As for the upcoming match, BIG must ban Inferno, Overpass, and Ancient. The other ban variations are not believable, allowing NiP to go into bo1 at a comfortable Nuke. The last face-to-face match on this map ended in a solid 16-9 victory for the Swedish squad. I don't think anything will change in the upcoming match. Ninjas in Pyjamas will score 7-9 rounds per attack and finish off their opponent.

Expert Betting Tips

Ninjas in Pyjamas look the favorite for the upcoming match. The Germans have only been losing their position in the HLTV rankings over the last year and have already stopped struggling to win matches against tier-1 teams. Bookmakers are offering odds of 1.84 for Ninjas in Pyjamas to win, which looks like a good option. Alternatively, the Swedish team can win with a handicap (-2.5) for 2.15.