The two best teams in the National League square off Thursday as the Atlanta Braves (87-45) take on the Los Angeles Dodgers (83-49).
Read ahead to get all of the current information on this matchup as you evaluate the Braves vs Dodgers odds.
Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Odds
Before making your MLB picks, it is important to look at the Braves vs Dodgers odds for this contest.
Not only are both of these teams phenomenal, but they are both sending high-caliber starters to the mound Thursday as well. For that reason, expect the odds to be tight in this one, if not close to a pick’em game.
Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Information
Atlanta Braves vs Los Angeles Dodgers
Location of the game: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA.
Date & Time: Thursday, August 31. 10:10 pm ET.
How to watch: MLB.TV
Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Preview
Looking at the Atlanta Braves schedule, they are an impressive 7-3 in their last 10 MLB games. They have also excelled regardless of the venue, as they are 44-22 at home and 43-23 on the road.
As for the MLB schedule of the Los Angeles Dodgers, they have gone 8-2 in their last 10 MLB games. When playing at Dodger Stadium this year, Los Angeles is 46-21.
Analyzing the MLB standings, the Braves have the best record in baseball at 87-45. They currently lead the NL East by 13.5 games over the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Dodgers have the second-best record in the National League at 82-49. They are 14 games up in the NL West.
Out of all MLB teams, these two have the best offenses in baseball. The Braves rank first, averaging 5.82 runs per game (5.78 on the road). The Los Angeles Dodgers roster ranks second, averaging 5.65 runs per game (5.39 at home).
In regards to the MLB injury report, the Braves are without pitchers Kyle Wright (shoulder) and Nick Anderson (shoulder). For the Dodgers, they are without slugger J.D. Martinez (groin) and starting pitcher Tony Gonsolin (forearm).
Starting Pitchers
It is always imperative to take a look at the day’s starters before making your MLB picks.
Braves Turn To Ace Strider For Thursday’s Opener
Trying to take the opener of this series, Braves’ manager Brian Snitker will turn to 24-year-old ace Spencer Strider Thursday.
His MLB player stats show that he is 15-4 in 26 games with a 3.46 ERA and 1.06 WHIP, and he has 236 strikeouts in 153.1 innings of work.
Strider has won three straight games, allowing just a single run in 21 combined innings of work.
Dodgers Turning To Lynn Thursday
Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts will counter with 36-year-old veteran Lance Lynn Thursday. Since joining the Dodgers, he is 4-0 with a 2.03 ERA.
Lynn picked up the win in his last outing against the Boston Red Sox. In six innings, he allowed three earned runs on ten hits for the victory.
Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Picks and Predictions
When thinking of the Braves vs Dodgers odds in this game, it is hard not to like the Braves to win the opener.
Really, this boils down to the dominance of Spencer Strider. He has actually been better on the road (9-2, 3.12 ERA) this season than at home (6-2, 3.79 ERA). Throw on top of that one of the best offenses and defenses in baseball, and the Atlanta Braves are a tough matchup for any team.
Despite the stellar offenses, it is also worth noting that both Strider and Lynn have the ability to shut down opposing teams.
- For that reason, take the under in this contest.
Make sure to check the MLB odds once they get posted, but expect the Braves to start off this series with a win on Thursday.
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