Malzahar & Maokai Synergy

Malzahar Mid and Maokai Support win 55.9% of 1,418 Low Elo games together, +1.8 points vs expected, 2-patch window 26.19-26.20.

Researched on LoL patch 26.20. Tips are written to hold at any rank; stats come from Low Elo ranked games up to patch 26.20.

Why this duo works

Maokai supplies the engage and lockdown Malzahar needs to secure Nether Grasp(R): Twisted Advance(W) or Nature's Grasp(R) can root a target, then a nearby Malzahar can follow with suppression. Malzahar players say he benefits from allies who initiate and close distance to help him reach a target.

Playing the duo

Twisted Advance(W) roots a target at up to 525 range, while Nether Grasp(R) can suppress a target within 700 range; Malzahar can follow Maokai's engage when he is positioned close enough to the rooted target.

Nature's Grasp(R) can start a fight from up to 3,000 range and root enemies it hits, giving Malzahar an opening to follow with Nether Grasp(R).

How to play as Malzahar

Hold Nether Grasp(R) until Maokai's root lands, then suppress the same target while they are still controlled; Malzahar players say he benefits from teammates who initiate and close distance.

How to play as Maokai

Start a pick with Twisted Advance(W) or Nature's Grasp(R) only when Malzahar is close enough to follow with Nether Grasp(R); his ultimate range is 700.

Sources

These notes come from r/MalzaharMains, checked against the champions' abilities.