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The Houston Astros (9-10) will try to get back to the .500 mark this season when they face the Atlanta Braves (14-5) in a series opener on Friday night. Houston took two out of three games against Toronto earlier this week, including an 8-1 win on Wednesday. Atlanta had its eight-game winning streak come to an end in a 1-0 loss at San Diego its last time out. 

First pitch at Truist Park is set for 7:20 p.m. ET. Atlanta is the -115 favorite (risk $115 to win $100) and the over/under is 9 in the latest Braves vs. Astros odds from Caesars Sportsbook. Before making any Astros vs. Braves picks, be sure to check out the latest MLB predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times. It went 331-285 on top-rated MLB money-line picks (+357) over the past two seasons, and it finished the 2022 MLB season on a 20-14 roll. Anybody who has followed it has seen profitable returns.

Now, the model has dialed in on Braves vs. Astros and revealed its predictions and best bets. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model's MLB picks. Here are the MLB odds and betting trends for Astros vs. Braves:

  • Braves vs. Astros money line: Braves -115, Astros -105
  • Braves vs. Astros over/under: 9 runs
  • Braves vs. Astros run line: Atlanta -1.5 (+170)
  • ATL: The Braves are 8-1 in their last nine games
  • HOU: The Astros are 10-4 in their last 14 road games
  • Braves vs. Astros picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why you should back the Braves

Atlanta had its eight-game winning streak come to an end on Wednesday, but it still allowed just two combined runs in three games against San Diego. Right-handed pitcher Bryce Elder has struck out 17 batters across 17.2 innings in three starts this season, going 2-0 with a 1.53 ERA. He has never faced the Astros during his short career, so they will not be familiar with him.

Outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. leads the Braves with a .367 average in 79 at-bats, and he is one of five players on the team with at least three home runs. First baseman Matt Olson has a team-high six homers and had hits in all three meetings with the Astros last season. The Braves are 11-5 in their last 16 home games against Houston and have the mental edge after beating the Astros in the 2021 World Series. See which team to pick here.

Why you should back the Astros

Houston had a pair of impressive showings against Toronto earlier this week, outscoring the Blue Jays 17-3 in those two victories. The Astros cruised to an 8-1 win on Wednesday, as they poured in six runs in the eighth inning to shut the door on the visitors. Shortstop Jeremy Pena hit a three-run home run to cap off the frame, while first baseman Jose Abreu had two hits. 

Abreu leads Houston with 21 hits and nine RBI, while second baseman Mauricio Dubon and right fielder Kyle Tucker each have 20 hits. Tucker and Yordan Alvarez have combined for eight home runs and 36 RBI. Rookie starting pitcher Hunter Brown is 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA and 17 strikeouts during an impressive start to the season. See which team to pick here. 

How to make Braves vs. Astros picks

SportsLine's model is leaning Under on the run total, as the simulations have the teams combining for 8.6 runs. It also says one side of the money line has all the value. You can only get the model's pick at SportsLine.

So who wins Astros vs. Braves? And which side of the money line has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the money line to jump on, all from the advanced model that finished last season on a 20-14 roll, and find out.