The California Redwoods host the Maryland Whipsnakes in their second game of homecoming weekend. The Whipsnakes are heavily favored and the total ranges from 21.5 to 23.5. Let’s take a look at my three best bets for this classic Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) matchup today.
California Redwoods vs. Maryland Whipsnakes
| California (+1.5) Odds | Moneyline: +145 |
| Maryland (-1.5) Odds | Moneyline: -190 |
| Total | 21.5 |
| Time | Sunday · 5:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Odds via ESPN Bet
I think California is a bit undervalued heading into this game, with their moneyline odds as high as +145 against a Whipsnakes team that has been fairly inconsistent themselves. Yet, I didn’t think the Redwoods completely turned a corner following their win over Carolina on Saturday and they simply took advantage of a sloppy performance by the Chaos offense.
Instead I’m targeting the total, which is as low as 21.5 on ESPN Bet.
Despite California struggling to score more than 10 goals in their last four games, this matchup should be favorable for both offenses. Maryland’s defense is allowing the second-highest scores against average at 13.7 per game and their short-stick defensive midfield group has struggled this season.
Transition goals have also been both a weakness on defense and strength on offense for the Whipsnakes. They’ve given up transition often to teams like New York and Boston, but have also had success scoring in transition against New York, Philadelphia and Utah.
Furthermore, all but one of Maryland’s six games have reached 22 goals or higher and the average total for games involving the Whipsnakes is 25.8.
As for California, their offense has struggled to generate offense consistently, but took advantage of 50-50 ground balls off the faceoff and Carolina’s offensive miscues by converting those into transition goals. The Redwoods should be able to exploit Maryland in transition as well, much like they did in their 15-point performance against New York earlier in the season.
Trust these offenses to lead the way and bet this game to go over 21.5. I also think 22.5 is too low so if you can’t bet over 21.5, I’d still play the over at 22.5.
I’m also targeting some player props in this game.
Zed Williams has been a consistent goal producer for Maryland this season with multi-goal games in five of six games this season. Yet, even if you include his 10 games in 2023, Williams has scored two or more goals in 11 of those 16 games including last year against the Redwoods.
Williams is a physical presence who matches up well against this Redwoods defense, and I think California could have their hands full between TJ Malone, Matt Rambo and Williams on Sunday. Bet Williams to go over 1.5 goals at -150.
I’m also targeting Tucker Dordevic to go over 2.5 points against the Redwoods. Dordevic returned from injury last week and was relatively quiet on the stat sheet, despite taking a team-high nine shots in that game. The Redwoods gave up four points to Dordevic last season and while the defense got a makeover this offseason, they allowed four points to a similar-style midfielder in Shane Knobloch on Saturday.
Expect Dordevic to have a big game on Sunday night and bet him to go over 2.5 points at -120 on DraftKings.
Picks: Over 21.5, Zed Williams Over 1.5 Goals, Tucker Dordevic Over 2.5 Points
