The 2026 National Lacrosse League Finals begin on Friday night as the Toronto Rock hosts the Halifax Thunderbirds. Let’s take a look my best bets for Game 1 of the best-of-three series.
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.
NLL Finals Game 1: Halifax Thunderbirds at Toronto Rock
 Halifax Moneyline/Spread | +115 / +1.5 |
 Toronto Moneyline/Spread | -145 / -1.5 |
| Total | 21.5 |
| Time | Friday · 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Odds via bet365
We’re still riding our bet on the Toronto Rock to win the NLL Finals at +800, so I’m a little less inclined to bet a side, especially since I still like Toronto to win it all now that we know they’re facing Halifax. I like Toronto to win Game 1 and potentially sweep, but think the odds being offered are fair. I also think the total is properly set at 21.5
Instead, I’m targeting a pair of goals props. For Toronto, I expect Owen Hiltz to have another strong game. His shot is deceptive enough to get past Halfiax netminder Warren Hill. Furthermore, the amount of shots on goal he’s taken in these last two playoff games has been higher than in his first two playoff outings. He’s also had 14 multi-goal performances in 22 games this season, including a hat trick in his last meeting with Halifax. Bet Owen Hiltz Over 1.5 Goals at +122 on bet365.
As for the Thunderbirds, Clarker Petterson has also had a lot of success this postseason, recording two goals in three of four playoff games so far. Petterson has had multiple goals in 15 of 22 games this season and also had a hat trick in a 10-point outing against Toronto earlier this year. He scored a couple of his goals on transition chances and did a great job of beating the Rock on shift changes all game long. Bet Clarke Petterson Over 1.5 Goals at +110 on bet365.
Picks: Owen Hiltz Over 1.5 Goals, Clarke Petterson Over 1.5 Goals
2025-26 NLL Season Best Bets: 79-62 for +22.315 units (ROI +15.79%)
All bets are to win 1 unit or more (i.e. 1.2 units at -120, 1 unit at +120) unless otherwise specified.
