Postseason baseball in May? Not quite, but Friday’s matchup between the Braves (26-12) and Dodgers (23-14) is about as close as it gets.

These two rivals appear to be on an NLCS collision course. Atlanta, following a disappointing 2025 campaign, has bounced back in a major way. The Braves are currently pacing the National League, combining elite pitching and a deep lineup. With all that being said, Los Angeles remains an absolute juggernaut. The two-time defending champions are a powerhouse, currently leading the NL West. Which of these two rivals will come out on top to kick off this series?

The Dodgers are favorites (-120) over the Braves, with the over/under set at eight runs. Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Friday’s showdown between Atlanta and Los Angeles on DraftKings Sportsbook.

Braves vs. Dodgers prediction, preview

As previously mentioned, it’s been a near-perfect first few weeks for the Braves. That’s especially true on offense, where they lead all of baseball in runs (213), hits (353) and slugging percentage (.457). Granted, former MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. is sidelined due to a hamstring strain. Regardless, there’s more than enough talent to make up for his absence. Five different regulars in Atlanta’s lineup have an OPS of at least .800. Matt Olson in particular has been on another level. The reliable first baseman is leading the National League in runs (35), home runs (13) and OPS+ (194). Fellow sluggers Ozzie Albies (156 OPS+) and Drake Baldwin (150 OPS+) have also impressed.

Those aren’t the kind of numbers you like seeing as an opposing pitcher. Emmet Sheehan has been an absolute roller coaster this season for Los Angeles. Through 31.0 innings of work, the right-hander has posted a 5.23 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 36 strikeouts. However, he’s been far more effective at home throughout his career (2.72 ERA) than on the road. Still, there’s no way to spin this as an easy matchup for the 26-year-old. Atlanta owns a .797 OPS against right-handed pitching, second only to the Dodgers (.800). Sheehan surrendered four runs over 4.2 innings during his most recent outing in St. Louis.

Speaking of LA, the defending champs have been their usual dynastic selves. Even more impressive, the Dodgers have racked up wins with Mookie Betts (oblique) on the shelf. This season’s breakout on offense has been Andy Pages. The third-year pro is slashing .336/.376/.569 with eight homers and 33 RBIs; his 2.6 WAR leads the majors as well. Those numbers have come in handy, given Los Angeles’ biggest bats have yet to heat up. Freddie Freeman, Kyle Tucker and Shohei Ohtani have combined for just 13 total home runs. Still, the team leads all of baseball with a .798 OPS.

To counter this loaded lineup, it’ll be a familiar foe in Chris Sale. The nine-time All-Star has had plenty of battles with Los Angeles throughout his prolific career. As a member of Atlanta, he’s allowed four earned runs over his last two meetings with the Dodgers (3.27 ERA). There’s no reason to believe the veteran can’t toss another gem on Friday. Through 42.0 innings this season, he’s accounted for a 2.14 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 49 strikeouts. Betts’ absence helps as well; the former MVP is batting .357 against his old Red Sox teammate. Freeman, Tucker and Ohtani have combined for a lackluster .192 batting average against the lefty.

Braves vs. Dodgers pick, best bet

A big game at home usually means a Los Angeles win. However, even the biggest Dodger fan can admit Atlanta holds a significant edge on the mound. Regardless of the matchup, how many times this season will bettors get to back Sale at even money? The Braves, winners in 15 of their last 20 games, are rolling right now. I’ll take my chances with the underdogs in this one.

Best Bet: Braves ML (+100)