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LA Dodgers (0-0) at Milwaukee (0-0)
- When: Oct 13 2025, 8:08 PM
- Where: American Family Field, Milwaukee
- Where to watch: TBS
LA Dodgers vs Milwaukee NLCS Game 1 Preview & Pick
Moneyline: LA Dodgers -154
Spread: LA Dodgers -1.5 (+110)
Total: 7.5
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers enter the NLCS rested, confident, and armed with one of baseball’s most dangerous rotations. After clinching their NLDS over Philadelphia in 11 innings, Los Angeles had four days off, a luxury Milwaukee didn’t get. That rest should pay off immediately as ace Blake Snell takes the mound in Game 1.
Snell has been lights-out this postseason, allowing just two runs over 13 innings with 18 strikeouts. His command has been sharp, and the Dodgers’ bullpen remains fresh behind him. Los Angeles will look to make an early statement with their mix of power and plate discipline, led by Mookie Betts, who’s hitting .385 in October, and Teoscar Hernández, who’s already driven in nine postseason runs.
Manager Dave Roberts has the rotation perfectly lined up, Yamamoto for Game 2, Ohtani for Game 3, and Glasnow ready if needed. The Dodgers’ balance of elite pitching and timely hitting makes them a tough team to slow down, even against a Milwaukee squad that swept them in the regular season.
Player Prop Pick: Mookie Betts Over 1.5 Total Bases (+120) – Betts is locked in at the plate, hitting for power and contact. Against a Brewers bullpen game, he’s primed to keep producing.
Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee may be the top seed, but the path to Game 1 wasn’t easy. The Brewers leaned heavily on their bullpen in the NLDS, using multiple openers and relievers to eliminate the Cubs in five games. Their pitching depth delivered under pressure, Jacob Misiorowski, Chad Patrick, and Abner Uribe all stepped up with shutdown performances.
The big question is who starts Game 1. Rookie Quinn Priester or veteran Jose Quintana could open, but Milwaukee may again rely on an early bullpen mix to keep the Dodgers off-balance. That strategy worked against Chicago but will be severely tested by LA’s deep lineup.
Offensively, the Brewers have been scrappy and efficient. Jackson Chourio is swinging a hot bat, hitting .389 in the NLDS with six RBIs, while William Contreras continues to anchor the middle of the order with consistency and clutch power. Milwaukee thrives on contact hitting and speed, hoping to pressure the Dodgers’ defense and manufacture runs early.
Player Prop Pick: Jackson Chourio Over 0.5 RBI (+215) – Chourio’s confidence and aggressive approach at the plate make him a good bet to drive in a run if given RBI opportunities.
Prediction
The Brewers have grit, depth, and a bullpen that won’t back down, but the Dodgers’ combination of rest, rotation strength, and star power gives them the upper hand. Expect Snell to set the tone early while LA’s bats wear down Milwaukee’s relievers.
Score Prediction: Dodgers 5, Brewers 3
Pick: LA Dodgers -1.5 (+110)
Total: Over 7.5 (-119)
- MLB Playoff Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
