What team should Indians root for in NLCS?

The 2016 World Series will begin on Tuesday night in Cleveland, with the Indians participating in their first Fall Classic since 1997.

But while they closed out the American League Championship Series with a 3-0 Game 5 victory at Toronto on Wednesday, the National League Championship Series remains hotly contested. The Cubs’ 10-2 win at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night evened the series at 2, with Game 5 set for Thursday night. The clubs then will return to Wrigley Field for Saturday’s Game 6 — and perhaps stay there for a Game 7 on Sunday.

• World Series Game 1: Tuesday on FOX

As the Indians rest, prepare and watch the rest of the NLCS unfold, should they have a rooting interest?

Game Date Time Matchup TV Gm 1 Oct. 25 TBD LAD/CHC @ CLE FOX Gm 2 Oct. 26 TBD LAD/CHC @ CLE FOX Gm 3 Oct. 28 TBD CLE @ LAD/CHC FOX Gm 4 Oct. 29 TBD CLE @ LAD/CHC FOX *Gm 5 Oct. 30 TBD CLE @ LAD/CHC FOX *Gm 6 Nov. 1 TBD LAD/CHC @ CLE FOX *Gm 7 Nov. 2 TBD LAD/CHC @ CLE FOX * If necessary | All times listed ET • World Series coverageShop for postseason gear: Indians

Certainly, either opponent would present a significant challenge. Both won their respective divisions and advanced past the NL Division Series for a reason. But while it’s a close call, it would make sense for the Indians to hope they meet the Dodgers as they try for their first championship since 1948.

Here are three reasons why Chicago would offer the slightly tougher matchup:

1. The starting rotation schedules

Los Angeles opted not to push ace Clayton Kershaw into another short-rest outing in NLCS Game 5, instead …

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