LCS Update: Brewers Up 2-0, Rays-Guardians Tied — Where the World Series Value Is

The World Series matchup isn’t set yet, but the League Championship Series are telling us plenty about where the value is. Here’s the state of play as of October 14 and how to position before the Fall Classic begins on October 23. Check live series prices at our certified sportsbooks.

NLCS: Brewers Lead Dodgers 2-0

Milwaukee took both games at home (2-1, 7-4) and now heads to Dodger Stadium for Game 3 tonight. The Dodgers are the two-time defending champions, and they’re in a 0-2 hole. History says teams up 2-0 in a best-of-seven win the series roughly 85% of the time.

The angle: The Brewers’ series price still carries underdog flavor because the Dodgers’ brand is so strong. If you believe 2-0 is 2-0, there’s value on Milwaukee to close it out. If you believe in championship pedigree, the Dodgers at a desperation discount is the only time you’ll get this price on them all postseason.

ALCS: Rays vs. Guardians Tied 1-1

Cleveland took Game 1 (7-3), Tampa Bay answered in Game 2 (3-1), and the series shifts to Cleveland. This one is a coin flip, which means the value is in picking a side rather than waiting.

The angle: The Guardians have home-field advantage for three of the next five, but the Rays’ pitching depth plays better in a long series. Lean Tampa Bay if the price is close to even.

World Series Futures: How to Play It Now

With the World Series starting October 23, the best value right now is on the Brewers to win the pennant and carry it into the Series. A team up 2-0 with this pitching should be priced shorter than the market’s Dodgers nostalgia allows.

The second-best play: wait for a Dodgers elimination game. If Los Angeles staves off elimination in Game 3 or 4, their World Series futures price will still be generous relative to their talent, and you’ll have seen them win under pressure.

Our Take

Bet the Brewers’ series price now before Game 3. If the Dodgers survive tonight, reassess. In the AL, take the Rays at anything close to even money. The World Series picture clears up fast from here, and the current prices won’t last.

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