Phantom Lancer vs Witch Doctor

How this matchup plays

Drafting a support against a late-game Phantom Lancer requires an answer to his illusions, which makes Witch Doctor a complicated choice. Witch Doctor's biggest teamfight contribution, Death Ward, is easily absorbed by the swarm of fakes. The Ward simply bounces between illusions, unable to focus its damage on the real hero. While Maledict is still a threat if it lands correctly, Phantom Lancer's Doppelganger gives him a tool to disjoint the cast and create even more confusion. Fundamentally, Witch Doctor’s ultimate is single-target, and Phantom Lancer is designed to overwhelm exactly that kind of ability.

Early on, Witch Doctor can still bully the lane with Paralyzing Cask before illusions are a major problem. The matchup sours for him as the game progresses and Phantom Lancer gets his core items. Phantom Lancer then begins to actively hunt supports, and Witch Doctor is a prime target. He’s forced to play far back, hoping his team can control the real PL for him. If Phantom Lancer closes the distance, the Death Ward becomes almost useless, and Witch Doctor has no way to escape the illusion army.