The Houston Astros (52-35) visit the LA Dodgers (56-32) Friday in the first game of a 3-game series. First pitch from Dodger Stadium is at 9:10 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Astros vs. Dodgers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Astros won series 2-1 in 2024
The Astros have won 8 of their last 10 games and just took 2 of 3 games on the road against the Colorado Rockies. They did, though, lose 7-6 in the finale on Thursday. OF Cam Smith had 3 hits, including a triple, and drove in 3 for the Astros in a losing effort.
The Dodgers are riding a 4-game winning streak and have won 9 of their last 10 games. They started off their homestand with a 3-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox, winning the finale 6-2 on Thursday. SP Dustin May struck out 9 in 7 innings, allowing only 4 hits and 2 runs, to even his record at 5-5.
Astros at Dodgers projected starters
RHP Lance McCullers vs. RHP Ben Casparius
McCullers (1-3, 6.61 ERA) makes his ninth start. He has a 1.62 WHIP, 5.5 BB/9 and 11.0 K/9 through 32 2/3 innings.
Casparius (6-2, 3.97 ERA) makes his third start and 26th appearance. He has a 1.13 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 8.6 K/9 through 56 2/3 innings.
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Astros at Dodgers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:07 p.m. ET.
Astros at Dodgers picks and predictions
Dodgers 7, Astros 6
Both teams come in playing very well, but the Dodgers have been great at home. They are 33-14 at Dodger Stadium, the best home record in baseball, while the Astros are 20-21 in away games.
McCullers has struggled in his last 2 outings, while Casparius allowed only 1 run in 4 innings the last time he started a game.
The Dodgers have scored 5 or more runs in 6 straight games and in 9 of their last 10 games.
Expect the Boys in Blue to open the series with a win, but you get better value with the run line, so bet that instead of the ML.
PASS.
Seven of the Dodgers' last 9 wins have been by 2 or more runs, while 11 of the Astros' last 12 losses have been by 2 or more runs. But the Astros are 10-4 ATS as away underdogs, while the Dodgers are 20-25 ATS as home favorites.
With two very hot teams, can we expect a close game? I think so. The Dodgers win but only by 1 run.
BET ASTROS +1.5 (-130).
Four of the Astros' last 6 games have had double-digit totals. The Dodgers have not seen a double-digit total in their last 4 games but had 5 such games in their previous 8 contests.
The Dodgers are averaging 6.5 runs per game in their last 10 games, while the Astros have scored 5 or more runs in 3 straight games and in 4 of their last 6 contests.
BET OVER 9 (-120).
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