The Washington Nationals (64-92) visit the Atlanta Braves (73-83) Monday to a open a 3-game series. First pitch from Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, is set for 7:15 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Nationals vs. Braves odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Braves lead 8-2

The Nationals are coming off a series win over the New York Mets, winning the final 2 games. They previously had lost 5 games in a row. They won Sunday’s finale 3-2, scoring 3 runs in the second inning, including a 2-run homer by SS Nasim Nunez.

The Braves open their final homestand of the season having won 8 games in a row. They beat the Detroit Tigers 6-2 in their series finale Sunday. SP Spencer Strider pitched 5 scoreless innings for the win, and SS Ha-Seong Kim hit a 2-run homer.

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Nationals at Braves projected starters

LHP MacKenzie Gore vs. LHP Chris Sale

Gore (5-14, 4.00 ERA) makes his 30th start. He has a 1.32 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 10.4 K/9 through 157 2/3 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 5 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 3 BB, 5 K in 5-0, 10-inning home loss to Braves Tuesday2025 road splits: 3-8, 3.70 ERA (87 2/3 IP, 36 ER), 1.35 WHIP, 10.8 K/9 in 16 startsCareer vs. Braves: 3-2, 2.85 ERA (41 IP, 13 ER), 1.24 WHIP, 9.0 K/9 in 8 starts

Sale (5-5, 2.35 ERA) makes his 20th start. He has a 1.07 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 11.7 K/9 through 115 innings.

Last start: No decision, 8 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 9 K in Tuesday’s road win over NationalsHas allowed no more than 1 run in 9 of his last 10 starts2025 home splits: 1-2, 2.39 ERA (49 IP, 13 ER), 1.12 WHIP, 11.8 K/9 in 8 startsCareer vs. Nationals: 0-2, 2.56 ERA (31 2/3 IP, 9 ER), 1.01 WHIP, 10.2 K/9 in 5 starts, 2 relief appearancesNationals at Braves odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:12 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Nationals +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Braves -250 (bet $250 to win $100)Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Nationals +1.5 (-110) | Braves -1.5 (-110)Over/Under (O/U): 7 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Nationals at Braves picks and predictionsPrediction

Braves 6, Nationals 3

The Braves have been rolling, having won 8 games in a row. They have beaten the Nationals 7 straight times this season. Sale has been stellar. The Nationals are 33-45 on the road.

The Nationals are 2-8 in Gore’s last 10 starts.

The Braves should win the opener, but -250 odds don’t give you enough value to make any play.

PASS.

The Nationals’ last 15 losses have been by at least 2 runs. All 8 of their losses to the Braves have been by multiple runs.

Thirteen of the Braves’ last 14 wins have been by more than 1 run.

BET BRAVES -1.5 (-110).

Nine of the Braves’ last 10 games have had 8 or more total runs. Nine of the 10 previous meetings with the Nats have had at least 7 total runs.

BET OVER 7 (-115).

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