The Dodgers and Braves are meeting in the NLCS. The numbers have L.A. as the favorite for the series. The price is Dodgers -230 to win this series. Atlanta is +190. Dodgers are +175 to win the World Series while the Braves are +400 to win it all.
The Dodgers are given a 73% chance of winning this series. Both teams are explosive offensively. The Dodgers have more proven star power with their pitching rotation. Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler have been big game pitchers. Max Fried and Ian Anderson have had particularly good seasons for the Braves. Neither of them gives up the long ball. Slight edge to the Dodgers.
The Braves bullpen is extremely strong with 4 pitchers capable of shutting down an inning. The Dodgers also have good pitching when they go to the pen. Edge to the Braves because they have a competent closer.
Marquee Matchup: Ronald Acuna vs Cody Bellinger. Acuna is having the better year. Bellinger is the reigning MVP. Both play outstanding defense. Bellinger has not performed to his regular season standards during prior post seasons. The edge to Acuna.
Prop Bets to Watch: Match bet of 1st Basemen. Max Muncy and Freddie Freeman. Who will get more hits in this series? This is easy. Go with Freeman who may be the NL MVP for 2020.
Best Player in this series: Mookie Betts. I would go with him if you can find a prop bet with odds on him getting a base hit in a game.
Prop Bet Advice: If picking a player that will get a hit in a game, take a player at the top of the lineup. He will get more at bats.
Managers: Dave Roberts and Brian Snitker. Roberts has guided the Dodgers to the playoffs every year since 2016 and to the 2018 World Series. He has had outstanding teams but has not been able to win it all. Snitker is taking the Braves to their third 3rd consecutive post season but never this far. This matchup is even.
This should be a great series. Playing everyday will take a toll on the pitchers. After the 1st two games expect to see the scoring output increase and look at the total over. The Braves score more runs without the use of the long ball. This ballpark favors them.
I’m going with the Braves to win the NLCS and go to the World Series for the 1st time since 1999. They win in 6.
Follow me on Twitter during the NFL 2020 season.