Week 14 in the National Lacrosse League continues on Saturday with pivotal matchups and I have best bets for all three of the games. Let’s take a look at my favorite sides, total and player prop.
Note: The odds presented below are those at the time when Hutton sends his picks out to DubClub subscribers and are subject to change. Subscribe to Hutton Jackson’s lacrosse picks on DubClub so you never miss out on the best odds for these picks. As soon as Hutton places a bet, you’ll immediately get a notification with both the pick and brief analysis. Picks are sent out at least 20 minutes in advance of articles published on Bet On Lacrosse.
Buffalo Bandits at Saskatchewan Rush
 Buffalo Moneyline/Spread | -170 / -1.5 |
 Saskatchewan Moneyline/Spread | +140 / +1.5 |
| Total | 24.5 |
| Time | Saturday · 8 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+/TSN+ |
Odds via BetMGM
The battle for the top of the standings takes place in the prairies as the Buffalo Bandits visit the Saskatchewan Rush. The backt-to-back champion Buffalo Bandits looked like world beaters to start the season but are officially in the tough stretch of their schedule. While the betting markets are starting to come around to how good this Saskatchewan team is, they’re still undervalued in a game that I would make Buffalo only slightly favored.
Last year, a less-talented Rush team lost to Buffalo by a goal in overtime. While the Bandits defense has improved since their last meeting, so has Saskatchewan’s. Rush starting goalie Frank Scigliano has the third-best save percentage and the second-lowest goals against average among starters.
The Rush entered this weekend ranking second in defensive efficiency, allowing 9.98 goals per every 85 possessions, and are fifth in offensive efficiency. While Buffalo still sits at the top in offensive efficiency, this Saskatchewan squad can hang with them (especially against a banged-up Buffalo defense) and I expect the Rush defense to be the difference-maker. Bet a unit on Rush +1.5 at +100 on BetMGM or ESPN Bet and a half unit on Rush moneyline at +140 on bet365, BetMGM or BetRivers.
Picks: Saskatchewan Rush +1.5, Saskatchewan Rush ML (0.5 unit)
Calgary Roughnecks at Colorado Mammoth
 Calgary Moneyline/Spread | -110 / -1.5 |
 Colorado Moneyline/Spread | -110 / +1.5 |
| Total | 24.5 |
| Time | Saturday · 9 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+/TSN+ |
Odds via bet365
While both Calgary and Colorado have has some big offensive performances, some personnel changes make me like this game to go under the total of 24.5.
The Roughnecks are in win-now mode and they made a big splash this week by trading for former Toronto goaltender and 2024 Goaltender of the Year Nick Rose. While I’m still not super high on Calgary and their upcoming schedule is tough, I applaud them for addressing their biggest weakness. While the defense in front still isn’t great, Rose will help tremendously.
As for Colorado, Dillon Ward may not be playing at an NLL Finals MVP-level, but he is still very good and is second in goals saved above average with 9.64. Colorado also lost one fo their key offensive pieces in Zed Williams, who went down with an injury last week. Despite two good offenses, this games has the makings for a low-scoring affair. Bet this game to stay Under 24.5 at -115 on bet365 or BetMGM.
I’m also betting Connor Kelly to stay Under 5.5 points on Saturday night. Kelly has had five points or fewer in 19 of 26 games (73.1%) with Colorado and only had four points against Rose when Colorado played Toronto earlier this season. While Calgary’s defense is slightly worse, I trust Rose to give them the boost they need and stifle Kelly. Williams being out fo the lineup also hurts the right side of Colorado’s offense in a big way. Bet Kelly to stay Under 5.5 points at -140 on bet365.
Picks: Under 24.5, Connor Kelly Under 5.5 Points
Halifax Thunderbirds at Las Vegas Desert Dogs
 Halifax Moneyline/Spread | -210 / -1.5 |
 Las Vegas Moneyline/Spread | +165 / +1.5 |
| Total | 25.5 |
| Time | Saturday · 10 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+/TSN+ |
Odds via ESPN Bet
Earlier in the week, DubClub subscribers and I bet the Desert Dogs moneyline at wild opening odds of +240. It’s now no longer than +180, but there’s still value on Las Vegas.
Landon Kells has settled down in net a bit and Las Vegas has made some key personnel changes. Rookie Jackson Webster has been playing really well and Las Vegas added veteran lefty in Holden Cattoni via a trade this week. Las Vegas also added Drew Belgrave in an earlier trade and the defense has shown some improvement.
Moreover, this bet is as much a bet on Las Vegas as it is a fade of Halifax. The Thunderbirds have been hot, winning six of their last seven, but the teams they beat are all below .500 and not significantly better than Las Vegas. The Desert Dogs should have success against a Hlaifax defense I’m still not buying yet.
Ultimately these odds are too long for a team with upset potential. Bet Desert Dogs +1.5 at +120 on ESPN Bet and a half unit on Desert Dogs moneyline at +180 on bet365 if you didn’t already earlier in the week.
Picks: Las Vegas Desert Dogs +1.5, Las Vegas Desert Dogs ML
Subscribe to Hutton Jackson’s lacrosse picks on DubClub so you never miss out on the best odds for these picks. As soon as Hutton places a bet, you’ll immediately get a notification with both the pick and brief analysis!
