2021 MLB Playoffs: NLCS Game 5 - Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers: Betting Picks: Thursday October 21, 2021

Who could have saw this coming? As we head into Game 5 of the NL Championship Series at Dodger Stadium, the Braves are just one win away from doing the unthinkable: knocking off the defending World Series champs on their own turf.

Game 5 of the 2021 National League Championship Series takes place on Thursday October 21, 2021, between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves. As we do with every game, we've simulated this game 10,000 times to determine where the value lies for baseball bettors across the United States.

With MLB betting picks, probabilities, odds and predicted scores featured each and every day, check out our top plays for Thursday's MLB game by reading this article.

Today's MLB best bets and odds are proudly brought to you by BetMGM.

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Free MLB Picks For Thursday October 21, 2021

Braves vs. Dodgers

BEST BET: Braves at the moneyline BetMGM (+116)

After shadow games for much of the day, the Dodgers finally announced that it would be Joe Kelly starting things off on the mound for LA, indicating a similar pitching strategy to the highly successful one that saw them go past the Giants in Game 5 of the NLDS. We can expect to see everything the Dodgers have got as they try to starve off a shock elimination.

Much of the reason why Atlanta are at this point is because of Max Fried, who will be leading the defense tonight. Fried has been unstoppable since the All-Star break with a sub-2.00 ERA and nine wins from his last ten appearances. The Braves have been dominant this series and with added woes to the Dodgers lineup after Justin Turner was ruled out with injury, Atlanta is once again the smart play to win through to the World Series.

BEST PROP: Max Fried OVER 5.5 strikeouts with BetMGM (+142)

While we can expect a revolving door of pitching for the Dodgers in Game 5, we know what we're going to get from the Braves ace. Fried has averaged 92 pitches in his last nine appearances. In his last outing against LA a few days ago, 65% of his throws were strikes. While he fell just short of hitting the mark in that game, the +142 on offer here represents excellent betting value.

MORE: Braves vs. Dodgers simulator

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MLB Same Game Parlay For Thursday, October 21, 2021

🔥 Braves ML
🔥 Fried o5.5 Ks
🔥 Ozzie Albies 1+ hit
🔥 Austin Riley 1+ hit

Parlay Odds +661

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