Braves vs. Phillies Prediction and Odds for NLDS Game 3 (Strider's Return Gives Braves Early Edge)

Game of the NLDS brings the return of one of the best young pitchers in the game to potential give the reigning World Series champs the boost they need.

Spencer Strider has been activated for Game 3 of the Braves-Phillies series in a battle of NL East rivals. While Strider will likely be on a pitch count, is his rookie season dominance against the Phillies enough to make them the side in a pivotal matchup?

Let's check out the odds and assess Strider's impact:

Braves vs. Phillies Odds, Run Line and Total

Braves vs. Phillies Prediction and Pick

Strider is likely going to be on a pitch limit around one pass through the lineup, but I'm expecting a hot start from the Rookie of the Year contender given his year long success against the Phillies.

Sure, it's his first start back, but his oblique strain appears to be more based around fatigue than anything, not structural damage, so I expect a rested Strider to return and pitch to his usual high level.

On the other hand, Nola has seen the Braves plenty of times in his career, 30 starts and a 3.39 ERA. There's plenty of experience for the pitcher and the entire Braves lineup against each other so they'll know what's coming, but I expect a strong start at home for the Phillies starter.

Nola finished the season on a tear, pitching to a 2.36 ERA in his last six regular season start and following it up with a shutout effort against the Cardinals on the road in Game 2 of the Wild Card series across six-and-two-third innings.

This game will be low scoring early with two high level pitchers showing up, but I want to avoid the bullpens so I'll go with a F5 under bet.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.