The National Lacrosse League’s Week 18 features a balanced slate of games with three Friday, three Saturday and two Sunday. As far as Friday goes, I’m targeting a total in a rematch from last week. Let’s take a look at what I’m betting in the Georgia Swarm vs. New York Riptide game.
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Georgia Swarm (-1.5) vs. New York Riptide
| New York Odds | +120 |
| Georgia Odds | -150 |
| Total | 25.5 |
| Time | Friday, 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPNews |
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
The New York Riptide travel south to face the Georgia Swarm just six days after their Saturday meeting, which saw Georgia win 13-8. This time, Georgia enters as a 1.5-point favorite, but I’m going to refrain from betting a side.
The sportsbooks continue to price these teams based on the first half of the season, as opposed to their recent history. Both teams have gotten better defensively and the 25.5 total (one goal lower than last week) is still too high.
This total still doesn't account for the presence of Cameron Dunkerley, who has held opponents to 10 goals in each of his three starts. To be fair, he allowed 10 to the Swarm last week before getting pulled late in the game, but I still think he’ll get the nod Friday and he's an upgrade over Steve Orleman.
As for Georgia, Brett Dobson has been even more impressive lately and only three of the Swarm’s 12 games have gone over the 25.5 mark this season. Dobson held New York to just eight goals last week and while I think New York could bounce back, I don’t see this game turning into a high-scoring affair.
If you’re worried about this game having a different result, I wouldn't worry about the total since the second game in 70% of back-to-back matchups features the same or fewer total goals. Bet this to stay under 25.5 once again.
Pick: Under 25.5
