The final game of the Premier Lacrosse League Quarterfinals features the No.2-seed Cannons against the No.7-seed Atlas. Let’s take a look at my four favorite bets for the final Labor Day game.
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Atlas LC vs. Cannons LC (-2.5)
| Atlas Odds | +160 |
| Cannons Odds | -200 |
| Total | 26.5 |
| Time | Monday · 5 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN2 |
Odds as of Saturday via FanDuel
The most lopsided spread of the weekend could still feature a competitive game. According to Bet On Lacrosse, 2.5-point underdogs have covered the spread in 12 of 18 games since 2021. Atlas has the roster to beat anyone in this league and we’ve seen No. 7 seeds make deep playoff runs.
However, Atlas’ two most glaring issues (transition defense and turnovers) make me hesitant to bet them, even if I think they could cover the 2.5-point spread. Those issues aren’t solved overnight and are often magnified in the postseason. So, instead of targeting a side, I'll bet the total.
Both of the previous matchups between these teams went over this total, but a lot of goals in the previous meeting were scored on broken plays and sloppy turnovers. I don’t expect Atlas to magically fix the issues that have plagued their transition defense all year, but Gavin Adler’s re-insertion into the lineup is an impactful addition.
Furthermore, Jack Concannon has played moderately well since regaining the starting job. He had a shaky first three games, but has averaged 13.4 saves per game in his past five games. If Atlas can limit the number of outside shots Concannon sees — his greatest weakness has been stopping two-point shots — then Atlas should have more success against Cannons.
As for the other side of the field, the Atlas offense had moderate success against the Cannons defense in its most recent matchup. However, a lot of their goals came against Cannons defender Max Wayne, who struggled to cover Chris Gray. Expect the Cannons to adjust accordingly in their third game against Atlas and further disrupt an offense that averaged 25.5 turnovers in their previous two meetings. Bet this game to stay under 26.5 goals at -110 on FanDuel.
I also expect Marcus Holman to stay under 4.5 points in this game. Holman has been an integral part of the Cannons offense and had a historic regular season that could earn him MVP. Yet, Atlas managed to neutralize Holman in their second meeting, holding him to a season-low one point. With Adler back in the lineup and likely guarding Asher Nolting, Atlas should further be able to limit Holman. Holman will surely find a way to make his presence felt, but -105 on DraftKings is a great price to bet Holman to stay under 4.5 points, like he has in six of 10 games this season.
I expect both defenses to play well, but also think Cannons attackman Matt Kavanagh will be able to score at least two goals in his return to the lineup. Kavanagh has been out due to a concussion he sustained three weeks ago, but his status being listed as “questionable” means he’s likely to suit up. Kavanagh has scored two or more goals in six of eight games this season and was only held to less than two goals in the second game of the season and the game he left early with a concussion. In the game against Atlas in which he played, he registered three goals. Bet Kavanagh to score twice at -138 on FanDuel.
I’m also targeting an Atlas player who has consistently found the back of the net this season: Xander Dickson. Dickson has scored at least two goals in six of 10 games this season, including the most recent game against Cannons. Cannons are also the most-penalized team in the league, which could lead to a handful of opportunities for Dickson on the power play unit. Bet Dickson to surpass 1.5 goals at +164 on FanDuel.
Picks: Under 26.5, Marcus Holman Under 4.5 Points, Matt Kavanagh Over 1.5 Goals, Xander Dickson Over 1.5 Goals
Read my other PLL Quarterfinals betting previews here.
