3 Bold Predictions for Dodgers vs. Braves Game 2 of the NLCS

Turns out having home field advantage is important in the postseason!

The Braves beat the heavily-favored Dodgers in Game 1 of the NLCS on a walk-off single by third baseman Austin Riley. The game-winner scored Ozzie Albies, who singled and stole second base to position himself for the winning run.

It was a big win for the Braves, who won the NL East division but had an inferior record to the Dodgers, finishing second in the NL West. But regular-season records be damned. Braves starter Max Fried did enough for Atlanta to get the win and the Braves once-shaky bullpen didn't give up a run and only two hits over the final three innings of the game.

Now it's on to Game 2, where Dodgers ace Max Scherzer hopes to shut down the Braves' formidable offense, and Braves young starter Ian Anderson looks to do the same against the Dodgers. Here are three bold predictions for what to expect.

Max Scherzer Goes Deep

You might think I'm predicting a homer for the Dodgers pitcher, but that's not the case. I see Scherzer pitching deep into the game and looking damn good doing it.

The Dodgers didn't have a starter in Game 1 and instead used seven relievers to get through the game. That put a lot of stress on the bullpen and they need Scherzer to eat up innings and give them some rest. I see the happening and Vegas agrees.

The Dodgers are -120 favorites (bet $12 to win $10) on WynnBET to lead after 5 innings versus +175 for the Braves. The Braves over/under on total runs after 5 innings is set at 1.5 runs, with the under a -125 favorite versus the over -105. Even after 7 innings, the over/under is only 2 runs, though the over is a -140 favorite. That says to me Vegas believes in Scherzer to go deep and so do I.

Dodgers Offense Erupts

The Dodgers offense has been a bit of feast or famine this postseason. In two of their wins against the Dodgers they put up 9 and 7 runs. In the other three they scored 2 runs total. I'll predict they have another big game against a young starter, scoring over 5 runs in the first five innings.

WynnBET has the over/under on the Dodgers total runs after 5 innings at 2, with the over as a -125 favorite. I'll take that over and hope I'm right. The Dodgers team total is also set at 4 at WynnBET if you prefer to take the full game route.

Dodgers Win Big

I think you got the gist of my prediction for this game based on the first two bold predictions. I see the Dodgers winning this game comfortably and evening the series at 1-1. The spread on this game is -1.5 runs for the Dodgers with the odds a -110 split. I see the Dodgers winning by at least three runs so that's where I'll be betting on this game. Now their bats have to back up my mouth.

Want more betting picks for Game 2 tonight? Check out our full betting preview here.