NLL Week 20 Preview: Playoff Races Heating Up

The National Lacrosse League (NLL) regular season is entering its final stretch, and the playoff races are heating up. With just a few weeks left in the season, every game is crucial for teams looking to secure a spot in the postseason.

The Buffalo Bandits (12-4), Saskatchewan Rush (11-5), Halifax Thunderbirds (10-6), and Rochester Knighthawks (10-7) have already clinched playoff spots, but there are still plenty of teams fighting for the remaining positions.

This weekend's slate of games features some key matchups that will have a big impact on the playoff race. Here's a look at the schedule and some of the top storylines to watch.

Friday, April 11

Vancouver Warriors (9-7) vs. Toronto Rock (5-10) - 8 p.m. ET

The Warriors enter this matchup winners of four straight, and Keegan Bal has had a hat trick in each win. A victory against Toronto, combined with a loss from Georgia, San Diego, or Colorado, would clinch a playoff spot for Vancouver.

Saturday, April 12

Las Vegas Desert Dogs (4-12) vs. Ottawa Black Bears (7-9) - 7 p.m. ET

Although currently in 10th place, the Black Bears are just one game back of a group of teams in the playoff race. Ottawa's Jeff Teat also has the league goal-scoring race to keep an eye on; he has 45 goals, which is second only to the Knighthawks' Ryan Smith (47).

Georgia Swarm (8-8) vs. Philadelphia Wings (6-10) - 7 p.m. ET

Georgia is one of four teams tied in the standings, vying for the final three playoff spots. The Wings defeated the Swarm last week, so the visitors may be looking for revenge. Joe Resetarits enters the game with 110 points, just one shy of the franchise record.

San Diego Seals (8-8) vs. Albany FireWolves (6-10) - 7 p.m. ET

The Seals are another of the 8-8 teams heading into the weekend, while the FireWolves are not completely out of it after winning three of their last four. It's also worth noting that these two teams will face off again in the regular-season finale, which could have even higher stakes!

Halifax Thunderbirds (10-6) vs. Buffalo Bandits (12-4) - 7:30 p.m. ET

With a win in this game, the Bandits would clinch the No. 1 seed in the playoffs; they would also clinch the top seed if Saskatchewan were to lose. Halifax can clinch a first-round home game with a victory in this one.

Sunday, April 13

Saskatchewan Rush (11-5) vs. Colorado Mammoth (8-8) - 4 p.m. ET

The Rush have already clinched a first-round home playoff game, but they could keep the pressure on Buffalo if the Bandits were to lose on Saturday night to the Thunderbirds. As for Colorado, they are another team in that 8-8 bunch, so every game is critical.

Top Plays from Week 19

Check out the top plays from last week's action in the NLL.

As the regular season comes to a close, the playoff races are sure to be intense. Make sure to tune in to ESPN+ to catch all the action this weekend and stay up-to-date on the latest standings and storylines.