Get ready for an electrifying National League Championship Series as the top-seeded Milwaukee Brewers, fresh off their NLDS triumph, clash with the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers in a highly anticipated best-of-seven series. This comprehensive guide covers the full schedule, expert odds analysis, and the fascinating narratives that make this matchup a must-watch for every MLB fan.
The stage is set for a thrilling National League Championship Series as the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to battle for a spot in the World Series. The Brewers, who finished the regular season as the No. 1 seed in the 2025 MLB Playoffs, secured their NLCS berth by defeating the Chicago Cubs 3-1 in Game 5 of their NLDS matchup on Saturday, October 11, at American Family Field. Meanwhile, the Dodgers earned their spot by overcoming the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of their NLDS series on Thursday, October 9.
This isn’t just any postseason series; it’s a rematch of the intense 2018 NLCS, which the Dodgers ultimately won in seven games. With Milwaukee holding home-field advantage and a surprising 6-0 regular-season sweep over Los Angeles, this year’s encounter carries even more intrigue. The Dodgers, striving to be the first team since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees to repeat as World Series champions, face a formidable opponent in a team looking for its first pennant since 1982.
The Road to the NLCS: How Both Teams Got Here
The Milwaukee Brewers proved their regular-season dominance by securing the best record in all of MLB at 97-65. This earned them a first-round bye in the postseason, giving their roster valuable rest before their NLDS clash against the Cubs. Their decisive Game 5 victory showcased their resilience and determination, carrying the momentum into the league championship round.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, the defending World Series champions, navigated a challenging path through the postseason. Their journey included series victories against the Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies. While they were unable to sweep the Phillies, a dramatic walk-off win in Game 4 at Dodger Stadium propelled them into their second consecutive NLCS appearance. Their pedigree and experience in high-pressure situations make them a perennial threat.
Complete NLCS Schedule: Dates, Times, and Broadcast Information
Fans can catch all the action of the Dodgers vs. Brewers NLCS across TBS, truTV, and HBO Max. All game times are listed in Eastern Time.
- Game 1: Dodgers at Brewers – Monday, October 13, 8:08 p.m. ET (TBS, truTV & HBO Max)
- Game 2: Dodgers at Brewers – Tuesday, October 14, 8:08 p.m. ET (TBS, truTV & HBO Max)
- Game 3: Brewers at Dodgers – Thursday, October 16, TBA (TBS, truTV & HBO Max)
- Game 4: Brewers at Dodgers – Friday, October 17, TBA (TBS, truTV & HBO Max)
- Game 5^: Brewers at Dodgers – Saturday, October 18, TBA (TBS, truTV & HBO Max)
- Game 6^: Dodgers at Brewers – Monday, October 20, TBA (TBS, truTV & HBO Max)
- Game 7^: Dodgers at Brewers – Tuesday, October 21, TBA (TBS, truTV & HBO Max)
^ (if necessary)
Betting Odds and Series Prediction
Despite the Brewers’ dominant regular-season performance against the Dodgers, oddsmakers still favor the reigning champions. According to USA Today, citing BetMGM, the Dodgers are -220 favorites to win the series, while the Brewers are +180 underdogs. Other opening odds, as reported by DraftKings, had the Dodgers at -185 and the Brewers at +160, giving Los Angeles an implied win probability of nearly 65%.
For Game 1, Dodgers ace Shohei Ohtani (RHP) is slated to start, adding another layer of excitement. The Brewers’ starting pitcher remains to be announced. Game 1 odds via DraftKings position the Dodgers at -151 and the Brewers at +124.
Regular Season Head-to-Head: A Brewers Sweep
One of the most compelling storylines heading into this NLCS is the Brewers’ perfect 6-0 record against the Dodgers during the regular season. Milwaukee outscored Los Angeles 31-16 over those six games, with five of their victories coming as underdogs. While the Dodgers might dismiss these July matchups as a small sample size, the Brewers undoubtedly enter the series with a psychological edge, having proven they can consistently beat the champions.
Key Storylines to Watch
This NLCS offers a multitude of captivating narratives that will keep fans on the edge of their seats:
- Dodgers’ Quest for a Repeat: Can Los Angeles become the first MLB team in over two decades to win back-to-back World Series titles? Their postseason experience is vast, but they face a highly motivated Brewers squad.
- Brewers’ Home-Field Advantage: As the overall No. 1 seed, the Brewers will host four games if the series goes the distance. American Family Field will be rocking, potentially providing a significant boost to Milwaukee.
- Historical Context: Beyond the 2018 NLCS, these two teams also met in the 2020 NL Wild Card Series, where the Dodgers swept Milwaukee in two games on their way to the championship. This adds another layer of historical rivalry and potential revenge for the Brewers.
- Shohei Ohtani’s Impact: The two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, pitching for the Dodgers in Game 1, will be a focal point. His performance could set the tone for the entire series.
- Underdog vs. Favorite: Despite being the league’s best regular-season team, the Brewers are underdogs. This position could fuel their motivation even further against the heavily favored Dodgers.
Our Prediction: A Series for the Ages
This series promises to be a true battle between two of baseball’s best-managed organizations. While the Brewers’ regular-season dominance cannot be ignored, the Dodgers’ postseason pedigree and their relentless pursuit of a repeat championship make them incredibly dangerous. The combination of historical rivalry, compelling individual matchups, and high stakes points towards a series that could very well go the distance. Expect a hard-fought contest with the Dodgers ultimately prevailing in seven games, a testament to their championship experience and depth.
