8:09 p.m. ET: Atlanta Braves  (95-76) at Houston Astros (102-70)

Odds: Braves +120 / Astros -130
Total:  8.5 -105 / -115

The Astros high-powered offense boosted them past the White Sox in the ALDS and Red Sox in the ALCS while scoring 67 runs in its 10 postseason games. Houston lefty Framber Valdez will be on the bump and is 1-0 with a 4.20 ERA in three 2021 postseason starts. Valdez allowed 1 run on 3 hits in 8 innings to earn the win in a 9-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox last Wednesday. The Braves will counter with righty Charlie Morton, who picked up the win for the Astros in Game 7 of the 2017 World Series. Morton is pitching in his 5th straight postseason and has a 7-4 record with a 3.45 ERA in 16 appearances. Morton is 0-1 with a 3.77 ERA in 3 postseason starts this year. He received a no-decision in Game 3 of the NLCS after allowing 2 runs on 3 hits with 6 walks in 5 innings. The Astros offense has been dominant while the Braves’ pitching has been stellar. The Red Sox lost their offense in the ALCS to put the Astros in a good spot while the Braves had to fight off the talented never-ending Dodger roster. Houston has a team career batting average of .257 with 26 hits in 101 at-bats including 2 home runs by Altuve. The Astros do have the advantage of more rest as well as playing at home and should be able to get the game 1 win. Look for the Astros and the Over in Game 1 of the World Series. 

The Bookie:          Astros -130 / Over 8.5 -105
Fade the Public:   Braves / Over
Sharp Action:       Astros / Over