Philadelphia Phillies vs. Houston Astros World Series Game 1 picks, predictions, odds
The Philadelphia Phillies take on the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday night.
The game is scheduled for 5 p.m. MST and can be seen on Fox.
Who will win the game?
Check out these odds, picks and predictions for the contest.
The Astros are a 1.5-run favorite in the game, according to Tipico Sportsbook.
Houston is -165 on the moneyline and Philadelphia is +145.
The over/under for the game is set at 6.5 runs.
World Series schedule: How to watch Philadelphia Phillies vs. Houston Astros on TV
Sportsbook Wire: Astros 3, Phillies 2
Skip Snow writes: "Nola logged a 3.00 ERA (108 IP, 36 ER) across 16 regular-season road starts. His combined September/October (2-2, 2.36 ERA, 34 1/3 IP, 9 ER) has been impressive and he gives Philly a decent chance Friday. While I'm picking the Astros (-165) to win, there's value in the Phillies. Watch for line movement and make a partial-unit bet if the Philly price hits +150."
Predict 'Em: Take the Astros on the moneyline in Game 1
It writes: "When it comes to World Series betting, it’s like splitting hairs to pick a winner when two great teams meet. In this case, we’ve got Aaron Nola, who is 5-9 on the road, pitches worse at night, however, blanked Houston in his one appearance vs. them this season. Over his career, he has a 4.39 ERA in September. On the flip side, you’ve got Jason Verlander who is 10-1 with a 1.64 ERA at home this season. Over the last 30 days, he has a 1.17 ERA and has struck out 31 hitters over 23 innings. He’s faced Philly once this season, allowing only one hit over five innings. The Astros have the edge Friday night at Minute Maid Park."
More: World Series picks, predictions: Why Houston Astros will defeat Philadelphia Phillies
Draft Kings: Go with the Astros vs. Phillies in Game 1
It writes: "This should be a close, relatively low-scoring contest, but ride with the Astros in Game 1. A win would give them the longest winning streak by any MLB team ever to begin the postseason."
Sports Betting Dime: Take the Phillies on the moneyline in Game 1
Robert Duff writes: "This the fifth World Series appearance for the Astros. They are 0-4 straight up in Game 1 all-time. That includes an 0-2 skid at Minute Maid Park in the last two World Series openers played by Houston. Factor that alongside Verlander’s personal World Series Game 1 woes, and this one is setting up perfectly for an upset play on the Phillies."
More: World Series picks, predictions: Why Philadelphia Phillies will defeat Houston Astros
Action Network: Astros will take Game 1 from Phillies
Doug Ziefel writes: "The last part of this handicap that needs to be factored in is the bullpens. While both are well rested, the Astros have the clear edge, as the Phillies only have two or three somewhat reliable arms. If Nola gets in trouble or is hit hard by the Astros lefties, it will be hard to mount a comeback, especially when their bullpen may not be able to put out the fire. I’m backing Verlander and the Astros to win the first battle tonight."
Sports Illustrated: Bet the under in Game 1 of World Series
Jennifer Piacenti writes: "I’m not confident taking the Astros on the run line and there’s no value in the moneyline at -175 odds, so let’s root for defense, since it wins championships."
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: World Series Game 1 picks, predictions, odds for Phillies vs. Astros
