The National Lacrosse League returns to a full slate, with all 14 teams playing across seven games. The weekend starts off with three games on Friday and I have a best bet for each. Let’s take a look at which sides I’m betting on Friday night.
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.
Toronto Rock at Halifax Thunderbirds
 Toronto Moneyline/Spread | -130 / -1.5 |
 Halifax Moneyline/Spread | +100 / +1.5 |
| Total | 22.5 |
| Time | Friday · 6 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Odds via Caesars
The Rock heads to Halfiax fresh off a big win over the Warriors. They’ll face a Thunderbirds team that is on a two-game win streak, but still hasn’t looked like a playoff contender. Meanwhile, Toronto got starting goalie Nick Rose back from injury, and it looks like they can contend with any team in the league. (And they’re currently still +1500 to win the championship on BetRivers.)
I love how the Rock offense is playing right now. Every forward knows his role and they’ve been playing with a lot of patience. It helps when you have rookies CJ Kirst, Owen Hiltz and Sam English playing like veterans and actual vets like Mark Matthews and Challen Rogers dominating their individual matchups and contributing in big ways. Jamie Dawick and Chris Boushy also deserve a ton of love and have been the most consistent pieces of this offense for years now.
They’re facing a Halifax defense that has played ok, but hasn’t gotten any help from their offense. The Thunderbirds currently rank second-worst in goals per game behind only the last-placed Philadelphia Wings. They’ll also be without forward Randy Staats, which is a key loss on the right side of the offense.
I think this is a big mismatch for Halifax, but this game isn’t being priced that way. Expect Toronto to get the road victory and win by multiple goals. Bet Toronto Rock -1.5 at +115 on Caesars.
Pick: Toronto Rock -1.5
Philadelphia Wings at Oshawa FireWolves
 Philadelphia Moneyline/Spread | +100 / +1.5 |
 Oshawa Moneyline/Spread | -130 / -1.5 |
| Total | 22.5 |
| Time | Friday · 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Odds via Caesars
My toxic trait is that I can’t seem to quit betting the Oshawa FireWolves on the spread. They’ve burned me many times this season — both as an underdog and a favorite — but I’m back for more.
Last Sunday, the FireWolves got their third win of the season, but it was closer than it needed to be. They let the Wings get the backdoor cover in a 13-12 contest. Now, they play Philadelphia for the second time in less than a week. This time, the Wings have been depleted by not just injuries, but also trades. Earlier this week, Philly traded forwards Joe Resetarits, Blaze Riorden and Phil Caputo — who combined for nine points in the least meeting. Furthermore, Michael Sowers, Pat Foley and Scott Dominey are among seven players listed as out for Friday’s game.
Meanwhile, Oshawa placed defender Colton Watkinson on the injured reserve, but signed forward Ryan Benesch after his release from Buffalo. Benesch is up in age, but had success on this team a few seasons ago when they were located in Albany. He doesn’t need the ball in his stick to make an impact and should fit nicely in this Oshawa offense.
I think Oshawa will win again and this time cover the spread comfortably. Bet Oshawa FireWolves -1.5 at +115 on Caesars.
Pick: Oshawa FireWolves -1.5
Colorado Mammoth at Buffalo Bandits
 Colorado Moneyline/Spread | +120 / +1.5 |
 Buffalo Moneyline/Spread | -157 / -1.5 |
| Total | 21.5 |
| Time | Friday · 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Odds via BetRivers
These teams are in very different situations since they last faced and Colorado won 20-9. The Bandits have won three of their last four games, while the Mammoth has lost two of its last three. As a result, Buffalo is a slight favorite at home.
I was never too worried about the Bandits, despite the four-game losing streak. Yet, I’m also not overreacting to two solid wins over Saskatchewan and Toronto. The Bandits looked good in both games and are clearly a playoff team, but they’re not without question marks. Buffalo’s transition defense is concerning, despite getting Mitch de Snoo back from injury. They still allow Matt Vinc to face far too many fast break shots. Furthermore, Nick Weiss and Ian MacKay are listed as questionable and won’t be 100% even if they do suit up.
Meanwhile, Colorado has also not been as dominant, but their losses have come against other likely playoff teams. Colorado’s inconsistency from game to game is a bit concerning, but I think the Mammoth match up well with Buffalo. Mammoth offense is too athletic for this aging Buffalo defense and Dillon Ward has been playing at an elite level, even in losses. I don’t think we’ll get another 11-point win out of Colorado, but I do think they win by multiple goals again.
Now, it’d be foolish not to mention Buffalo’s acquisitions of defender Tyler Hendrycks and forward Joe Resetarits. Both are key adds that make the Bandits better, but not enough to make them favored over Colorado in this rematch. The Bandits are well-positioned to make another postseason run, but now is the time to buy low on their opponent this weekend and bet the Colorado Mammoth moneyline at +120 on BetRivers.
Pick: Colorado Mammoth ML
2025-26 NLL Season Best Bets: 42-34 for +11.19 units (ROI of 14.6%)
All bets are to win 1 unit or more (i.e. 1.2 units at -120, 1 unit at +120) unless otherwise specified.
