National Lacrosse League Betting Picks: NLL Week 18 Best Bets

Week 18 in the National Lacrosse League features a light Saturday slate with just three games over Easter weekend. I have bets in two of the games this weekend. Let’s dive into the side and total I’m targeting on Saturday.

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.

Philadelphia Wings vs. Buffalo Bandits

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

The Wings host the Buffalo Bandits in Philadelphia's second game of the week. Buffalo is once again a 2.5-point road favorite despite losing outright to Panther City just last week.

Unlike most back-to-back stretches for teams, Philadelphia played Thursday night at home. The more than 40 hours between games and lack of travel should ease any concerns of a tired Wings team showing up on Saturday.

Philadelphia hasn't looked the greatest in their last two games either, but Zach Higgins has had two straight uncharacteristic games and I expect him to bounce back against Buffalo. The Wings still rank top-five in shots defended, allowing goals on an average of just 16.4% of shots per LaxMetrics.

Even if the Philly defense isn't able to slow down Buffalo's high-powered offense, the Wings still can match their offensive production against a bottom-five Bandits defense. Buffalo ranks third in offensive rating on LaxMetrics. Ranked one spot ahead of them?

The Philadelphia Wings.

Buffalo is 2-10 against the spread this season as a favorite, 1-6 against the spread this season as a favorite of 2.5 or greater and has lost outright as a 2.5-point favorite or greater four times already this season, including twice in the past three games. Once again, 2.5 points is too much for Buffalo to cover in this matchup.

Bet Philadelphia to cover the 2.5-point spread at -115.

Pick: Philadelphia Wings +2.5

Rochester Knighthawks vs. Halifax Thunderbirds

Odds via bet365

The Rochester Knighthawks host the Halifax Thunderbirds in their second meeting of the season. The total is set at 25.5 at most sportsbooks, but bet365 currently has 23.5 available.

While the last meeting between Halifax and Rochester only saw 21 goals scored, that's an exception to the norm when it comes to these teams.

Rochester has allowed an NLL-worst 13.38 goals against per game and nine of Rochester’s 13 games have finished with totals over 23.5. The Knighthawks are also tied for last in opponent shooting percentage allowed, giving up goals on 20.5% of shots per LaxMetrics. 

On the offensive side of things, Both teams average more than 12.6 goals per game and rank in the top three in shots on goal, with Rochester averaging the league’s highest at 57.8 and Halifax ranking third with 54.9. Halifax also allows the highest amount of breakaways and breakaway goals so expect this game to be fast-paced throughout.

Bet this game to go over 23.5 at -105 on bet365.

Pick: Over 23.5