The National Lacrosse League regular season is already half way through, but the playoff race is just starting to heat up.
On Friday night, we have two pivotal West Conference matchups as the Calgary Roughnecks look to stay hot against a fledgling Vancouver team, while the Saskatchewan Rush look to avenge an early overtime loss to the San Diego Seals in Week 2.
Let’s start the weekend off with bets on the spread, moneyline and two player props.
If you’re an avid bettor who’s new to lacrosse or a lacrosse fan who’s new to betting, check outmy guide on how to bet on lacrosse for some tips to use when placing a lacrosse bet.
Vancouver Warriors vs. Calgary Roughnecks (-1.5)
| Calgary Odds | -230 |
| Vancouver Odds | +184 |
| Total | 23.5 |
| Time | Friday, 10 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Odds via FanDuel.
Friday’s meeting between the Calgary Roughnecks and Vancouver Warriors is the third of the season for the two teams. Since their first two consecutive matchups with each other back in Week 2 and Week 3, Calgary and Vancouver have been heading in opposite directions.
The Roughnecks have won four of their last five games and covered the spread in nine of their 10 games this season — the NLL’s best record against the spread, according to the Bet On Lacrosse report. While they’ve been very good at covering as underdogs, they’re also a perfect 3-0 against the spread as a favorite, covering in both their wins against the Warriors earlier this season.
Since the last time these two teams met, Vancouver placed Logan Schuss on the season-ending injury list, traded top scorer Mitch Jones and released defender Justin Salt. This Vancouver defense has allowed a league-high 15.4 goals per game this season and will have a tough task trying to match Calgary in offensive output when facing Roughnecks goaltender Christian Del Bianco. Del Bianco is tied for first in save percentage and boasts the NLL’s second-best goals against average of 9.66.
Additionally, the Warriors are 2-7 against the spread, including 1-3 against the spread as a 2.5-point underdog. While they covered as 2.5-point underdogs last week against Panther City, I just don’t see a them being able to keep up with Calgary for the full 60 minutes.
Calgary is currently just a 1.5-point favorite (-152 on FanDuel) and I recommend betting that number for some extra security. However, if you prefer to bet Calgary -2.5 on another sportsbook, I still think the Roughnecks should cover that number with ease.
Pick: Calgary Roughnecks -1.5 (Play to -2.5)
San Diego Seals (-1.5) vs. Saskatchewan Rush
| San Diego Odds | -155 |
| Saskatchewan Odds | +130 |
| Total | 23.5 |
| Time | Friday, 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN2 |
Odds via Caesars Sportsbook.
We have a pivotal West Conference showdown on Friday as the Saskatchewan Rush visit the San Diego Seals. The Seals are once again 1.5-point favorites and looking for their seventh win of the season. The Rush are looking to get back on track after a disappointing loss to the Roughnecks last week.
When these two teams last met, the Seals came away with a victory in overtime. Yet, through 45 minutes, the Rush looked like the far better team, taking a 10-4 lead into the fourth quarter. Yet, their once seven-goal lead wasn’t enough as the Seals scored 10 of the final 12 goals en route to the win.
Both teams’ goaltender tandems were streaky in the first matchup, with both starters getting pulled in the game. The Seals have enjoyed a bit more stability on the defensive end since going with Chris Origlieri as their starter full-time, but I still think the Rush have the firepower to keep up with this Seals team.
If this game was a bit tighter on the moneyline, I’d probably stay away from betting a side, but Caesars is offering the Rush on the moneyline at +130 and I think that’s a great price to back the underdog in a game that should be closer to a coin flip.
If Saskatchewan can limit the penalties that plagued them in the last meeting and Alex Buque can play at the elite level he’s shown in all but two games this season, the Rush have a great chance at stealing a win in San Diego. Bet the Rush to win outright at +130 on Caesars.
In addition to the moneyline, I’m also eyeing two player props for Friday night. Rush forward Robert Church’s goal total is currently set at 2.5 goals and Seals forward Wes Berg’s goal total is 1.5 on FanDuel.
Church has gone over this mark in four of seven games this season, including their last game against San Diego. He’s also scored a hat trick or better in three of the Rush’s past four meetings with the Seals (and he still had two goals in that other game.) Church will be in the mix tonight like he has all season and Dan Lintner’s addition back into the lineup should help alleviate some pressure.
As for Berg, he’s scored at least two goals in five of seven games this season, including their last game against Saskatchewan. He’s also scored a pair of goals or more in three of the Seal’s past four meetings with the Rush. A lot of the attention will once again be on Curtis Dickson and Dane Dobbie, leaving the door open for Berg to have a big night.
Bet Robert Church to go over 2.5 goals (-134 on FanDuel) and Wes Berg to surpass 1.5 goals (-120 on FanDuel)
Pick: Saskatchewan Rush ML, Robert Church Over 2.5 Goals, Wes Berg Over 1.5 Goals
