NLDS preview and predictions: What you need to know about the Brewers-Rockies, Braves-Dodgers MLB playoff series

G1: Thursday/at Los Angeles, 8:37 p.m. (MLBN)
Foltynewicz (13-10) vs. Ryu (7-3)
G2: Friday/at Los Angeles, 9:37 p.m. (FS1)
TBA vs. Kershaw (9-5)
G3: Sunday/at Atlanta, 8:07 p.m. (FS1)
*G4: Monday/at Atlanta, TBA
*G5: Wednesday/at Los Angeles
Head to head: The Dodgers won five of seven, including three of four in Atlanta in July. L.A. outscored the Braves 35-18. They've met twice in the postseason, including 2013 when the Dodgers beat Atlanta in the NLDS. It was the last time the Braves were in the playoffs.
About the Braves: Game 1 starter Mike Foltynewicz gave up seven earned runs in 11.1 innings in two starts against the Dodgers this season … Leftfielder Ronald Acuna hit 26 homers, including 19 from the leadoff spot, and is likely the NL's rookie of the year … Slugger Freddie Freeman led the NL in hits (191) and doubles (44). He has eight hits in 20 career postseason at-bats (.400).
About the Dodgers: Closed the season on a 14-4 run, including a decisive win over Colorado in Monday's tiebreaker for the NL West … Max Muncy, who was signed off the street last season, started the year in the minors. He led the Dodgers with 35 homers … Manny Machado hit .273 with 13 homers in 66 games for L.A. He's a free agent after this season and the apple in the eyes of many Phllies fans … Closer Kenley Jansen is expected to undergo heart surgery for atrial fibrillation in the offseason. He was advised not to make a trip to Colorado in August because of it, and it's something that could come into play if the Dodgers play the Rockies in the NLCS.
The pick: Dodgers in 4.
*If necessary.