National League powerhouses collide Friday in the second of a four-game series as the Atlanta Braves (88-45) go toe-to-toe with the Los Angeles Dodgers (83-50).
Both of these teams are in firm control of their respective divisions, but both will be looking to take the edge in the series as future playoff home-field advantage could be decided.
As you consider your MLB picks, read ahead to get a breakdown of this matchup and the Braves vs Dodgers best bets.
Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Odds
Braves vs. Dodgers Information
Atlanta Braves vs Los Angeles Dodgers
Location of the game: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA.
Date & Time: Friday, September 1. 10:10 pm ET.
How to watch: MLB.TV
Recent Scores
If the first game of this series is any indication, this is going to be a great weekend of baseball in L.A. Atlanta won 8-7 behind home runs from Ronald Acuna Jr., Austin Riley, and Michael Harris II.
In the Dodgers’ loss, Mookie Betts had two home runs and drove in four on the night.
Looking at the Atlanta Braves schedule, they come into Friday having gone 8-2 in their last 10 MLB games. On the road this year, they are an impressive 44-23.
At 88-45, the MLB standings show the Braves with the best record in baseball and have a 14-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East.
The MLB schedule for the Dodgers shows they are 7-3 in their last ten games. When playing at home this year, they have been dominant at 46-22.
The Los Angeles Dodgers odds of winning the division are pretty strong right now. At 83-50, they hold a 13.5-game lead over the San Francisco Giants for the NL West lead.
Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Analysis
Braves’ manager Brian Snitker will turn to 29-year-old southpaw Max Fried Friday. His MLB player stats show that he is 5-1 in 10 games with a 2.85 ERA and 1.21 WHIP, and he has 53 strikeouts in 53.2 innings.
In his last start, he picked up the win over the Giants after allowing just two earned runs over six innings.
Atlanta ranks as the top offense in all of baseball, averaging 5.83 runs per game. They are led by Matt Olson (43 HR, 112 RBI, 103 R), Austin Riley (32 HR, 82 RBI, 98 R), and Ronald Acuna Jr. (30 HR, 83 RBI, 120 R, 61 SB).
As for the Dodgers, manager Dave Roberts will turn to his own lefty in 27-year-old Julio Urias. In 20 MLB games, he is 11-7 with a 4.41 ERA and 1.11 WHIP, and he has 113 strikeouts in 112.1 innings.
Urias was roughed up in his last outing against the Red Sox. In a loss, he allowed six earned runs over six innings.
The Dodgers are ranked second in scoring out of all MLB teams, averaging 5.66 runs per game (5.42 at home). Mookie Betts continues to rake as he is now hitting .318/.412/.624 with 38 home runs, 98 runs batted in, and 116 runs scored.
Key Injuries
Analyzing the MLB injury report, the Braves will be without pitchers Kyle Wright (shoulder) and Nick Anderson (shoulder). Second baseman Ozzie Albies got the night off Thursday, but he should be back in the lineup Friday.
For Los Angeles, they will be missing pitchers Joe Kelly (forearm) and Tony Gonsolin (forearm).
Odds Breakdown
Before determining the Braves vs Dodgers best bets, it is important to look at the MLB odds for this game.
Braves Come In As Road Favorites
It is not too often that an opposing team is favored at Dodger Stadium, but that is exactly the case with the Braves Friday.
They are -117 to win on the moneyline. They are also -1.5 on the spread, with odds of +135.
Dodgers Home Underdogs
At +107 to win, the Dodgers come into this one as home underdogs. They are +1.5 on the spread, with odds of -155.
The over/under for total runs sits at 8.5. Both the over and under have odds of -110.
Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Pick and Prediction
- For our Braves vs Dodgers best bets, we will be taking the Dodgers to win at home (+107).
This choice doesn’t take anything away from the Braves, but it isn’t very often that you can get the Dodgers at plus money playing at home.
While Max Fried has been dominant, Julio Urias has shown throughout his career he is capable of minimizing damage against even great opposing offenses.
Expect Urias to do exactly that. In what could amount to a pitcher’s duel, take the under 8.5 runs (-110) in this one as well.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.