The Mets have lost back-to-back games entering this series and are 5-13 in August as they continue to struggle. Atlanta though, is hot! The Braves are 7-1 in the past eight games, including going 2-1 versus the Mets on August 12-14. For the year, Atlanta owns the series edge, 7-3.

The New York Mets (67-60) and Atlanta Braves (58-69) begin a 3-game series Friday. First pitch from Truist Park in Atlanta is set for 7:15 p.m. ET (Apple TV+). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Mets vs. Braves odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

With the Mets and Braves playing their second game of their series Saturday, here are the lineups for both sides.

The Atlanta Braves have acknowledged the accomplishments of a Boston-era slugger. Wally Berger was inducted into the team Hall of Fame ahead of Saturday's game against the New York Mets. During his induction, he was dubbed as “The original slugger in Braves history.”

By the time Nolan McLean returned to the mound Friday for the fourth inning — a danger zone for Mets starting pitchers — he had plenty of latitude.

The Mets and Braves have had a number of climactic late-season series. This… will not be one of them. But it is a chance for the Braves to extend the Mets’ recent misery, something that, should it happen, we will all relish.