The National Lacrosse League returns for Week 17 with teams looking to join the Rush in securing playoff spots within the coming weeks. We have three games on Friday to kick off the weekend, and I have a bet for each of them.
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.
Saskatchewan Rush at Toronto Rock
 Saskatchewan Moneyline/Spread | -145 / -1.5 |
 Toronto Moneyline/Spread | +115 / +1.5 |
| Total | 21.5 |
| Time | Friday · 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Odds via bet365
I lean Saskatchewan in this game, especially considering Toronto’s injury report. Yet, I think the Rock will keep it close throughout and would rather bet a few player props in this game than take a stab at the spread or total.
For Toronto, I’m expecting Owen Hiltz to have a big game. Mark Matthews is listed as questionable, but I’d expect him to play even if he’s not at 100%. However, we might see Matthews operate more as a passer and CJ Kirst might draw more attention as a dodger. This could set up Hiltz as the recipient of plenty of feeds from the aforementioned Matthews and Kirst. Rush netminder Frank Scigliano has also struggled at times saving shots from range, and I that should bode well for Hiltz’s chances to bury two goals. Hiltz has also scored multiple goals in nine of 13 games this season, so I like the odds we’re getting for him. Bet Owen Hiltz Over 1.5 Goals at +125 on bet365.
As for Saskatchewan, I’m expecting solid games from Austin Shanks and Zach Manns. We’re getting favorable odds on both to score at least two goals and I expect them to be two of the main goal-scorers on Friday night. Shanks has had multi-goal outputs in eight of 14 games this season and 24 of his last 37. Meanwhile, Manns has had a pair or more goals in 10 of 14 games this season and 24 of his last 38. Bet Austin Shanks Over 1.5 Goals at +125 and Zach Manns Over 1.5 Goals at +100 on bet365.
Picks: Owen Hiltz Over 1.5 Goals, Austin Shanks Over 1.5 Goals, Zach Manns Over 1.5 Goals
Halifax Thunderbirds at Georgia Swarm
 Halifax Moneyline/Spread | +134 / +1.5 |
 Georgia Moneyline/Spread | -164 / -1.5 |
| Total | 20.5 |
| Time | Friday · 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Odds via FanDuel
When these teams last faced, we cashed the Swarm moneyline as underdogs in an 11-7 win. This time around, Georgia is the favorite, but I still expect them to comfortably win again. Halifax’s offense has been hot and cold and will be without Randy Staats again this game.
The Thunderbirds also allow a high amount of transition opportunities for opposing teams and that has hurt them all season, including their last game with Georgia. The Swarm is a team that loves generating offense in transition, and I expect Georgia to take advantage again on Friday. I expect the Swarm to eventually pull away and win by multiple goals. Bet Georgia Swarm -1.5 at -105 on FanDuel.
I am also betting Shayne Jackson Over 1.5 Goals at +110 on bet365. Jackson has scored multiple goals in eight of 13 games this season and 18 of his last 32. He also had three goals against Halifax earlier this season and six in this matchup last year.
Picks: Georgia Swarm -1.5, Shayne Jackson Over 1.5 Goals
Ottawa Black Bears at Vancouver Warriors
 Ottawa Moneyline/Spread | +150 / +1.5 |
 Vancouver Moneyline/Spread | -190 / -1.5 |
| Total | 21.5 |
| Time | Friday · 10 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Odds via bet365
When these teams last faced, the Vancouver Warriors defeated the Ottawa Black Bears, 12-8. I expect Ottawa to hang around, but think this game is priced pretty close to what I’d make it on the moneyline and the total is also on point. So, I’m targeting a Vancouver player’s goals prop instead.
Jesse King has been a consistent piece of the Vancouver offense since joining the Warriors this season. He’s had multi-goal games in 10 of 14 this season and I like the odds to bet him to do so again tonight. Bet Jesse King Over 1.5 Goals at -110 on bet365.
Pick: Jesse King Over 1.5 Goals
2025-26 NLL Season Best Bets: 46-37 for +12.23 units (ROI +14.9%)
All bets are to win 1 unit or more (i.e. 1.2 units at -120, 1 unit at +120) unless otherwise specified.
