The NLCS begins Saturday night when the Los Angeles Dodgers visit the Atlanta Braves for Game 1. First pitch is set for 8:08 p.m. ET at Truist Park. Let’s analyze the lines around the Dodgers vs Braves odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Dodgers RHP Max Scherzer is expected to make his third start of this postseason despite pitching the final inning of the NLDS. He was 15-4 with a 2.36 ERA, a league-best 0.86 WHIP, an NL-low 1.8 BB/9 and 11.8 K/9 through 179 1/3 IP across 30 starts in the regular season.
- The Dodgers won all 11 of Scherzer’s regular-season starts after they acquired him via trade.
- Is 0-1 with a save and a 1.46 ERA through 12 1/3 innings across two starts and one relief appearance this postseason.
Braves LHP Max Fried makes his second start of the postseason. He was 14-7 wth a 3.04 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 8.6 K/9 through 165 2/3 IP across 28 regular season starts. He pitched 6 scoreless innings in his previous postseason start this season against the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS.
- Was 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in two regular-season starts against the Dodgers.
- Has won his last four decisions and the Braves have won his last six starts including the postseason.
Dodgers at Braves odds, lines, picks and prediction
MLB odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:20 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Dodgers -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Braves +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
- Against the spread/ATS: Dodgers -1.5 (+125) | Braves +1.5 (-155)
- Over/Under: 8.5 (O: +100 | U: -125)
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Prediction
Braves 3, Dodgers 2
Money line (ML)
Fried did not allow a run in his start in the NLDS against the Brewers. The Braves have not lost a home start of Fried’s since June 1. The Braves have won his last six starts and 11 of his last 12 including the postseason.
Scherzer will not likely be able to go as deep in the game because of his 1-inning appearance Thursday.
The Braves were the least-impressive home team of the postseason, going 42-38 in the regular season. However, their play with Fried on the mound cannot be ignored.
Take the BRAVES (+110).
Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
The Braves have the worst home ATS record in all of baseball at 29-53 ATS. However, they are 7-3 ATS as home underdogs and are 13-5 ATS in their last 16 games.
The Dodgers are 41-40 ATS as road favorites and are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 games.
Expecting a Braves outright win, take the BRAVES +1.5 (-155) if you want some breathing room.
Over/Under (O/U)
Four of the Dodgers’ six postseason games have had totals of fewer than 9 runs. Three of the Braves’ four games in the playoffs finished with fewer than 9 runs.
Take UNDER 8.5 (-125).
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