The final weekend of the National Lacrosse League regular season is here and five teams are competing for two remaining playoff spots. One of those five teams is the Vancouver Warriors, who — in their first season under head coach Curt Malawsky — are looking to secure their first playoff berth since 2017. The Warriors face the San Diego Seals, who have already locked up the No. 2 seed and home-field advantage for the first two rounds of the playoffs. A win wouldn’t guarantee Vancouver a spot in the playoffs, but I think there’s value in betting them to finish the season with a victory.
San Diego Seals vs. Vancouver Warriors
| San Diego (-1.5) | Moneyline (-210) |
| Vancouver (+1.5) | Moneyline (+155) |
| Total | 21.5 |
| Time | Friday · 10 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Odds via bet365
The Warriors need a win to keep their postseason hopes alive and although there aren’t many “motivation spots” in the NLL, this fits the bill. Not only is Vancouver, which has won six of its past seven games, the hottest team in the league, but it can sneak into the playoffs with a win and either a Halifax or Saskatchewan loss. There is a scenario in which Vancouver can get in with a loss, but the Warriors will have their sights set on securing a victory on Friday night.
Vancouver’s defense has marginally improved since making the move to start Aden Walsh in net, but its the offense that has come alive over the past five games. The Warriors have averaged 15.4 goals per game and actually have an offensive rating higher than San Diego, according to LaxMetrics. Vancouver could also look to take advantage of a San Diego defense allowing a slightly above average amount of breakaway chances — something Vancouver has put a greater emphasis on during its win streak.
San Diego reactivated Curtis Dickson and Kyle Jackson, but also moved Chris Wardle and Trevor Baptiste to injured reserve ahead of its regular-season finale. Baptiste’s absence could tip the scales toward Vancouver from a possession standpoint considering Baptiste’s ability to give San Diego an advantage through faceoffs.
Finally, San Diego hasn't covered as a favorite often this season, and is 2-6 against the spread (including a pair of outright losses) in its past eight games as a favorite. Considering the motivation spot, the potential for San Diego to rest starters and the odds, this is a great spot to bet Vancouver. Bet the Warriors +1.5 (+100 on bet365 and DraftKings) and put a half unit on the moneyline (+160 on ESPN BET).
Pick: Vancouver Warriors +1.5 (1 unit) | Vancouver Warriors Moneyline (0.5 unit)
