The MLB Postseason has delivered nonstop excitement thus far. After a wild divisional round, just four teams remain in the hunt for the 2021 World Series championship. The National League Championship Series is set to commence this evening with Game 1 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves. After both sides defeated formidable opponents in the previous round, baseball fans are set up for what should be a thrilling series. The MLB betting odds have dubbed the road team as the favorite ahead of tonight’s Dodgers vs Braves matchup.
This MLB betting preview for Dodgers vs Braves NLCS Game 1 includes game info, projected starting pitchers, betting odds, trends and a prediction for this series-opening matchup.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Atlanta Braves Betting Preview and Prediction | MLB Playoffs Game 1
NLCS Game 1
Los Angeles Dodgers (106-58, 48-33 Away) vs. Atlanta Braves (88-74, 42-38 Home)
Date: Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021
Time: 8:08 p.m. EST
Venue: Truist Park — Atlanta, GA
Coverage: TBS
Dodgers vs Braves Starting Pitchers
Dodgers: TBD (Starter can be found HERE when announced)
Braves: Max Fried (14-7, 3.04 ERA)
Los Angeles Dodgers Preview
Despite winning 106 games to finish with the best record in baseball, the Dodgers still had to navigate the NL Wild Card Game. Los Angeles survived that and exacted some revenge on the 107-win NL West Division rival San Francisco Giants by taking them out in the NLDS. The Dodgers have been the MLB betting favorite to win the World Series dating back to before Opening Day. With just four teams left standing, that sentiment continues to hold true. Talent-wise, L.A. is easily the best team remaining in the postseason. The lineup is adorned with superstars. Mookie Betts could not be stopped in the decisive NLDS Game 5. After a regular season to forget, Cody Bellinger came up with the go-ahead hit in the 9th inning to down San Fran. Will Smith, Corey Seager and Justin Turner have also come up clutch for the Dodgers all season long.
While the Dodgers might have survived the thrilling NLDS against the Giants, but the fact that the series went a full five games has left Dave Roberts in a tough spot when it comes to deciding on a starter for Game 1 of the NLCS. At the time of writing, Roberts is yet to commit to a starter for tonight’s game. Max Scherzer would have been in line to kick off the NLCS for the heavy MLB betting favorites. However, after he came on to earn the save in Game 5 just two days ago, that outlook has changed. Even so, Roberts would not rule Scherzer out when speaking to the media on Friday. If Scherzer is deemed unfit to start, expect the Dodgers to either go with an opener strategy or right-hander Tony Gonsolin.
Atlanta Braves Preview
The Braves certainly have had to overcome their fair share of adversity to reach the NLCS. Various injuries to the pitching staff and the costly loss of superstar outfielder, Ronald Acuna Jr., saw this team trailing in the NL East Division for the majority of the regular season. Some bold moves at the trade deadline to bring in sluggers Jorge Soler and Adam Duvall have paid major dividends. Along with reigning MVP Freddie Freeman, breakout star Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies, the Braves once again have a lineup as scary as any team remaining. Joc Pederson came up huge as a pinch-hitter multiple times to help Atlanta get past the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS.
Despite having a home-field advantage over the Wild Card Dodgers, the Braves are massive MLB betting series underdogs ahead of the NLCS. Manager Brian Snitker is entrusting southpaw Max Fried to get the series off to a strong start in Game 1. Fried won 14 games during the regular season, posting a 3.04 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in the process. He was spectacular in Game 2 of the NLDS as well, shutting down the Brewers while striking out nine over six shutout innings. In his lone regular-season start against the Dodgers, Fried surrendered two runs on three hits over six innings.
Dodgers vs Braves MLB Betting Odds
MLB betting odds for Dodgers vs Braves are taken from BetMGM Sportsbook.
Moneyline: LAD: (-130) | ATL: (+105)
Run Line: LAD: -1.5 (+125) | ATL: +1.5 (-155)
Total: 8 — Over: (-115) | Under: (-105)
Public (Spread) Betting Percentages via Action Network: LAD: (68%) | ATL: (32%)
Pre-Series Odds to Win the NLCS: LAD: (-225) | ATL: (+185)
Dodgers vs Braves MLB Betting Trends
– Dodgers are 11-2 SU in their last 13 games.
– Braves are 11-2 SU in their last 13 games.
– Dodgers are 7-2 SU in their last nine head-to-head matchups against the Braves.
– The total has gone under in four of the last five Dodgers vs Braves head-to-head matchups.
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Dodgers vs Braves Stats
– Los Angeles is averaging 5.07 runs per game (RPG) this season (No. 5 in the MLB).
– Los Angeles is surrendering 3.40 RPG this season (No. 1 in the MLB).
– Atlanta is averaging 4.86 RPG this season (No. 8 in the MLB).
– Atlanta is surrendering 4.01 RPG this season (No. 1 in the MLB).
Dodgers vs Braves Weather Report
Status: Clear
Temperature: 58℉
Humidity: 57%
Precipitation: 0%
Wind: 12 MPH (blowing out to center)
Dodgers vs Braves Prediction
The Dodgers vs Braves MLB betting prediction uses NumberFire’s probability model. They give Atlanta a 62.6% chance to win Game 1 of this NLCS matchup.
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