Elliott's MLB Top Side

We all know the lead up and what the Dodgers did last night in a 15-3 victory but that being said the last 8 innings were played to a 4-3 Dodgers victory with the Braves lower end of the bullpen finishing.

At first site the pitching matchup is lopsided tremendously but there are a few factors to consider:

1. 33 year old Kershaw was scratched with back spasms 2 days ago, I've had back spasms, I'm betting he's not 100% today. Kershaw is oft injured at this point of his career, we've seen this before.
2. He has been very poor in the playoffs leading up to this season with a 9-11 record and 4.33 ERA overall.
3. He gave up 3 earned over 6 innings in his last playoff start vs San Diego in a 6-5 victory.
4. Rookie Wilson counters for the Braves with little experience however the same was true for Ian Anderson.
5. Wilson was stellar over his last 5 appearances (2 starts to end the season) giving up 5 earned runs in 13 innings of work including 1 earned run in his last 8 innings while striking out 9.
6. The Braves lineup is stacked with right handed power hitters including switch hitter Ozzie Albies who has 2 bombs from the right side in the playoffs in limited plate appearances.
7. The Dodgers closer situation is in peril with Jansen being ineffective of late even if Kershaw gives the Dodgers the lead it can be in jeopardy late.
8. The Braves have already won 2 games take the runs and the juice.

Take the Atlanta Braves +1.5 to win vs the Los Angeles Dodgers in this matchup.