The Dodgers are favored to win the series, but the Braves have a chance to make it interesting. Will they or won’t they?

The dodgers vs braves game 1 prediction is a prediction for the first game of the National League Championship Series. The two teams are the Dodgers and Braves. The odds for this game are listed at -125, meaning that you would have to bet $1.25 in order to win $100 on this game.

The Los Angeles Dodgers needed five games to beat their longtime rivals the San Francisco Giants in the National League Division Series. They trailed 2-1 after the first two games of the series, but won the last two to earn a meeting with the Atlanta Braves, who had a much easier time in their NLDS versus the Milwaukee Brewers. Now, let’s look at the other club in this Dodgers-Braves matchup…

The Braves defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 3-1 in the NLDS and will try to maintain their momentum in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series at home. Which of these two squads will take the series’ first blood? Will it be the Dodgers, who must still be ecstatic following their victory in San Francisco on Thursday? Will it be the Braves, who are looking to revenge their NLCS defeat to the Dodgers last year? With everything out of the way, it’s time to read our Dodgers-Braves series opener prediction and preview.

Here are the betting odds for Game 1 of the National League Championship Series between the Dodgers and the Braves.

MLB Odds: Dodgers vs. Braves

-1.5 (+130) Los Angeles Dodgers

+1.5 Atlanta Braves (-144)

More than 8.0 runs (-107)

Runs under 8.0 (-105)

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Why the Dodgers Might Be able to Cover

 After eliminating their biggest opponents, the Dodgers will face the same opponent they defeated in the NLCS last season to go to the 2020 World Series. The Dodgers are likely to send Max Scherzer to the mound in Game 1 of their NLCS rematch versus the Braves. Scherzer was also the final pitcher to throw for the Dodgers, finishing a 2-1 away victory in Game 5 of the NLDS. Mad Max has only allowed two earned runs on six hits while striking out 16 batters over 12.1 innings in three playoff outings, including two starts. Scherzer remembers the most recent time he faced Atlanta fondly. 

That was on September 1, when he blanked the Braves over six innings and struck out nine batters in a 4-3 victory at home. In six starts at Truist Park, he has a 3-3 record and a 3.71 ERA in his career. Furthermore, in 16 road starts throughout the regular season, he finished 10-2 with a 2.59 ERA. The Dodgers’ offense, which may expect Trea Turner to return to form in Game 1 of the NLCS, will be behind Scherzer in Game 1. Turner is batting just.192 in the playoffs, but he is 7 of 21 in his career against Max Fried, with a.404 wOBA. 

Why the Braves Might Be able to Cover

Fried may not remember what it’s like to lose a game. In his previous 12 bouts, the 27-year-old southpaw has gone 8-0. During that time, he had a 1.35 ERA. In Atlanta’s 3-0 victory against the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 2 of the NLDS, he was a maestro on the mound, allowing zero runs, no walks, and just three hits while striking out nine batters. Despite the fact that the Dodgers’ lineup may be frightening, Fried has pitched well, allowing three runs in 12.0 innings across two starts during the regular season. 

Scherzer is usually a tough hitter for Atlanta batters, but the Dodgers ace hasn’t appeared unhittable recently. In his past four outings, he has given up four home runs while also walking five batters. FreddieFreeman and Austin Riley, who had playoff OPS figures of 1.086 and.908, respectively, lead the Braves’ offense. Scherzer, who has showed weakness against the long ball recently, may be defeated by Joc Pederson’s hot bat, which has two home runs and a.429 batting average in the playoffs thus far.

Prediction & Pick for the Dodgers vs. Braves Game

Given their previous performances, I trust Fried more than Scherzer at this time. The Dodgers are the more skilled club overall, but that won’t matter in Game 1, because the Braves will have fresher bodies than the Dodgers, who only have one full day of rest between Game 5 and the NLCS opening against the Giants. 

Final game between the Dodgers and the Braves Atlanta Braves (+1.5) is my pick (-144)

The dodgers vs braves odds is the first game of the National League Championship Series. The Dodgers are looking to take a 2-0 lead in the series after winning Game 1 4-2.

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