Braves vs. Padres Prediction & Odds for Opening Day

  • Get betting predictions and analysis for Braves vs. Padres on Opening Day.
  • First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET at Petco Park.
  • My Braves vs. Padres prediction is Atlantaโ€™s moneyline value (-110).

The San Diego Padres will host the Atlanta Braves on Opening Day at 4:10 p.m. ET on Thursday at Petco Park in a rematch from last year’s National League wild-card matchup.

The Padres bested the Braves last postseason, but these teams are trending in opposite directions entering the 2025 season. The Braves are favorites to win the NL East, while the Padres’ win total has dropped from 89.5 to 85.5 leading up to Game 1.

Hereโ€™s a look at the latest MLB betting odds and my Braves vs. Padres prediction for Opening Day.

Braves vs. Padres Odds: Thursday, March 27

  • Braves moneyline: -130
  • Padres moneyline: +110
  • Game total: 7 (+100/-120)

Braves vs. Padres Opening Day Starting Pitchers

This is a great pitching matchup in San Diego. After last year’s Cy Young campaign, Chris Sale will start for the Braves. He posted an 18-3 record with a 2.38 ERA in his age-35 season.

Michael King is a potential Cy Young candidate in 2025 following a breakout performance. He finished with a 13-9 clip and a 2.95 ERA in 31 games for the Padres last year.

  • Braves starting pitcher: Chris Sale
  • Padres starting pitcher: Michael King

Braves vs. Padres Prediction for Opening Day

Per the updated MLB odds market, I’m backing Atlanta’s moneyline value (-110) as my Braves vs. Padres prediction for Opening Day.

This is a coin-flip game based on the latest odds, but I give the Braves an edge because of how I rate both of these teams.

The Padres were my favorite win total bet this offseason, as I recommended taking their under when the line was at 89.5. Meanwhile, itโ€™s easy to envision a bounce-back campaign for the Braves after all the injuries they had to deal with in 2024.

Although Ronald Acuรฑa Jr. wonโ€™t be ready to start the season, Atlantaโ€™s lineup is difficult to navigate between Austin Riley, Matt Olson, Marcell Ozuna, and Michael Harris II. They will be eager to face King again after he tossed seven shutout innings and threw 12 strikeouts in Game 1 of the NL wild card.

Itโ€™s worth remembering that the Braves were coming off a doubleheader (and a nightmare travel schedule) the day before that matchup against King. I donโ€™t expect him to replicate that showing on Opening Day.

Braves vs. Padres Prediction: Braves Moneyline (-110)

  • Pick made on March 18.

How to Watch Braves vs. Padres on Opening Day

  • Date: Thursday, March 27
  • Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
  • Location: Petco Park
  • TV info: FDSNSO (MLB TV)

Braves 2025 Schedule

Padres 2025 Schedule

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About the Author

Shane Jackson

Read More @Sjacksonmgm

Shane Jackson is a Web Content Writer for BetMGM, covering MLB and NBA. After graduating from the University of Kansas, his previous stops include MLB.com, Lawrence Journal-World, Manhattan Mercury, Bet Chicago Sports, WynnBET, and Sportsbook Review.

Shane Jackson is a Web Content Writer for BetMGM, covering MLB and NBA. After graduating from the University of Kansas, his previous stops include MLB.com, Lawrence Journal-World, Manhattan Mercury, Bet Chicago Sports, WynnBET, and Sportsbook Review.