The National Lacrosse League semifinals continue as we get Game 2 of the Georgia Swarm vs. Halifax Thunderbirds and Game 3 of the Toronto Rock vs. San Diego Seals on Saturday. Let’s dive into each game.
Note: The odds presented below are those at the time when Hutton sends his picks out on the Action App and are subject to change.
Game 2: Halifax Thunderbirds at Georgia Swarm
 Halifax Moneyline/Spread | -110 / +1.5 |
 Georgia Moneyline/Spread | -120 / -1.5 |
| Total | 20.5 |
| Time | Saturday · 6 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Odds via Caesars
Georgia faces elimination and needs to win back-to-back games in Halifax to advance to their first NLL Finals since 2017. Despite Halifax taking Game 1, I like Georgia to at least even the series on Saturday and force a Game 3. While the Thunderbirds were able to get the best of the Swarm last weekend, let’s not forget that Georgia handled Halifax twice in the regular season.
Despite allowing 11 goals, Brett Dobson was excellent in Game 1. The likely 2026 NLL MVP made 53 saves and finished with a 82.8% save percentage. The issue was he saw 64 shots—the highest amount Georgia has allowed all season and 7 more than the previous high of 57. I trust this Georgia defense to make the necessary adjustments in Game 2.
The Swarm offense also stalled at the worst time, but they were still generating some quality looks against Warren Hill. I also felt that they were far too conservative in transition offense in the second half, and that was an area they exploited in both wins over Halifax. The Thunderbirds certainly deserve credit for playing much better transition defense recently, but I think the Swarm will score some more fast break goals than in last weekend’s matchup.
Back Lyle Thompson and Co. to even the series and bet 0.6 unit on Georgia Swarm moneyline at -120 and 0.4 unit on Georgia Swarm -1.5 at +130 on Caesars.
Picks: Georgia Swarm ML (0.6 unit), Georgia Swarm -1.5 (0.4 unit)
Game 3: San Diego Seals at Toronto Rock
 San Diego Moneyline/Spread | +155 / +1.5 |
 Toronto Moneyline/Spread | -200 / -1.5 |
| Total | 20.5 |
| Time | Saturday · 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Odds via bet365
The Toronto-San Diego series has been an entertaining one. Toronto outlasted San Diego in Game 1 despite Seals backup goalie Cameron Dunkerly coming in and playing solid in relief of a concussed Chris Origlieri. Dunkerly followed that up with his first postseason start, stopping [add stats]. The Rock unraveled towards the end, choosing to start scrums when the fame was out of reach.
I think we’re in for another highly contested game, and while I still like Toronto’s chances of winning the cup if they’re able to advance, I’m riding with the undervalued Seals in Game 3.
I’d make Toronto the slight favorite in this game still, but San Diego should be no longer than +115 on the moneyline based on how they’ve looked in both games of this series. The Seals are around +135 on most sportsbooks and as long as +155 on bet365!
San Diego’s offense has been effective against this Toronto defense, particularly shooting from outside and getting Nick Rose to move. The Seals defense is also playing well, regardless of whether it’s Origlieri or Dunkerly in net. I expect San Diego to keep this game close from start to finish and think they have a better chance at pulling off another upset than the sportsbooks are giving them.
Bet 0.6 unit on San Diego Seals +1.5 at +105 and 0.4 unit on San Diego Seals moneyline at +155 on bet365.
Picks: San Diego Seals +1.5 (0.6 unit), San Diego Seals ML (0.4 unit)
2025-26 NLL Season Best Bets: 77-60 for +22.295 units (ROI +16%)
All bets are to win 1 unit or more (i.e. 1.2 units at -120, 1 unit at +120) unless otherwise specified.
