After a league-wide bye, the Premier Lacrosse League heads to Minneapolis for Week 4. The weekend starts with a rematch between the undefeated New York Atlas and their Eastern Conference rival Maryland Whipsnakes. New York is a 2.5-point favorite for the second-straight game and the total ranges from 26.5 to 27.5.
New York Atlas vs. Maryland Whipsnakes
| New York (-2.5) Odds | Moneyline: -210 |
| Maryland (+2.5) Odds | Moneyline: +155 |
| Total | 27.5 |
| Time | Friday · 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Odds via ESPN Bet
When these teams previously met, New York defeated Maryland 17-13, despite a 7-0 run to start the game. Although I’m not sure Maryland will be able to pull off the upset, I don’t expect as slow of a start from the Whipsnakes this time around. Last meeting was Maryland’s first game of the season and Kyle Bernlohr started in net before Brendan Krebs took over. Krebs, now cemented as the team’s starter, is a slight upgrade over Bernlohr and I expect rookie defender Ajax Zappitello to fare better than in his first ever PLL game.
While I don’t think this game will be low-scoring, 27.5 is an overreaction to New York’s offensive dominance and poor starts from both defenses. Both teams are tied for most two-point goals this season (five) and New York has allowed the most two-pointers (seven). There were four two-pointers between these teams in their first game and several goals came in transition. I think we’ll see a slower-paced rematch and I trust both defenses to play better this time around. The Whipsnakes are still trying to figure out their best offensive lineup and their defense has the potential to be better than they’ve played so far.
I recommend betting this game to stay Under 27.5 at -115 on ESPN Bet and also betting a half unit on 21-25 total goals to be scored at +250 on BetMGM.
I’m also betting Zed Williams to stay under his points props. Depending on the sportsbook, you can bet Williams to stay Under 3.5 or 2.5 points on Friday night. Williams has stayed under 3.5 points in 11 of 13 games and under 2.5 in nine of those 13 games. Williams was held to just two points in the first game against Atlas, despite starting at attack, and has spent some time at midfield in recent games. Maryland is still trying to figure out the best attack combination and that could limit Williams’ opportunities. Ultimately, I don’t like this matchup for Williams and recommend betting him to stay Under 3.5 points at -210 on BetMGM or DraftKings and Under 2.5 points at -110 on bet365.
Picks: Under 27.5, 21-25 Total Goals (0.5 unit), Zed Williams Under 3.5 Points & Under 2.5 Points
