Tag: Chicago White Sox vs. Houston Astros odds predictions pick betting line spread

Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago White Sox (1-2) and Houston Astros (2-1) meet Sunday for the final game of their opening 4-game set. First pitch from Minute Maid Park is set for 2:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the White Sox vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Astros lead 2-1

After Chicago took the opener 3-2, thanks to 1B Andrew Vaughn’s 9th-inning, tiebreaking, 2-run double, Houston won the next 2 games, 6-3 Friday and 6-4 Saturday.

LF Yordan Alvarez’s base-clearing double did the damage in Friday’s win for Houston, while RF Kyle Tucker’s 7th-inning, RBI single broke a 3-3 tie in Saturday’s victory.

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White Sox at Astros projected starters

RHP Mike Clevinger vs. RHP Luis Garcia

Clevinger went 7-7 in 2022 with a 4.33 ERA (114 1/3 IP, 55 ER), 1.20 WHIP, 7.2 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 in 22 starts and 1 relief appearance for the Padres.

  • Was mediocre on the road last season with a 4-4 record and 5.46 ERA (64 1/3 IP, 39 ER) with 11 HR allowed and 23 BB.
  • Making his White Sox debut after signing as a free agent in December.

Garcia went 15-8 with a 3.72 ERA (157 1/3 IP, 65 ER), 1.13 WHIP, 9.0 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9 in 28 starts last season.

  • Was very good at home with an 11-3 record but had a 4.46 ERA (84 /23 IP, 43 ER) with 16 HR and 19 BB in 15 starts.
  • Career vs. White Sox: 1-0, 3.00 ERA (12 IP, 4 ER) in 2 starts, including a 21-5 victory at Chicago last August.

White Sox at Astros odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:57 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): White Sox +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Astros -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): White Sox +1.5 (-140) |  Astros -1.5 (+115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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White Sox at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 4, White Sox 3

Moneyline

BET ASTROS (-165).

The White Sox have been terrible in Houston recently. They are 5-17 in their last 22 games in Houston. Plus, they are also only 11-23 in the last 34 meetings overall while the Astros are 4-0 in Garcias’ last 4 starts overall.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

Though I could see a lean to the White Sox +1.5 (-140) as they tend to play the Astros close. Houston only won 4 of the 7 games against Chicago last season.

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Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 8.5 (-110).

In the last 10 White Sox-Astros meetings the Under is 4-5-1. My gut feeling just sees a tight, low-scoring game in the finale. Plus, it’s a get-away day for the White Sox, who fly to Chicago after the game for their Monday home opener.

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Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago White Sox (1-0) take on the Houston Astros (0-1) Friday in the 2nd game of a 4-game season-opening series at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is at 8:10 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the White Sox vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: White Sox lead 1-0

The White Sox defeated the Astros 3-2 on Thursday with RHP Dylan Cease  allowing only 1 ER while fanning 10 in 6 1/3 IP. RHP Reynaldo Lopez got the save as Chicago looks to replace closer Liam Hendriks, who is undergoing cancer treatment.

The World Series champions got a solid outing from LHP Framber Valdez on Thursday with 4 K and 0 ER in 5 IP while OF Yordan Alvarez homered in the 9th inning.

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White Sox at Astros projected starters

RHP Lance Lynn vs. RHP Cristian Javier

Lynn was 8-7 in 21 starts in 2022 with a 3.99 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 1.4 BB/9, and 9.2 K/9 in 121 2/3 IP.

  • Recorded at least 6 IP in 13 of his 21 starts last year
  • His 3.99 ERA last season was his highest since 2018

Javier was 11-9 in 25 starts last season with a 2.54 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9, and 11.7 K/9 in 148 2/3 IP.

  • Tallied 6-plus K’s in his final 6 starts of 2022
  • Tied for 8th in ERA and had the 3rd-best K/9 among starting pitchers despite lacking IP to qualify for the league leaders

White Sox at Astros odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:07 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): White Sox +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Astros -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): White Sox +1.5 (-160) | Astros -1.5 (+140)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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White Sox at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 4, White Sox 2

Moneyline

AVOID.

Unless you believe the White Sox can start the season 2-0 over the Astros, then I wouldn’t wager on the moneyline in this game. I’d be comfortable taking Houston’s moneyline at -140 odds or better.

Run line/Against the spread

ASTROS -1.5 (+130)

Houston is looking to avoid starting the season with 2 straight losses and while they certainly miss 2B Jose Altuve at the front of their lineup, they still possess a dangerous group of hitters.

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Over/Under

BET UNDER 7.5 (-105).

Lynn is poised to bounce back in 2023 and Javier is someone I believe is capable of winning the AL Cy Young award this season. There have been under 8 runs scored in 6 of the last 7 meetings between these teams.

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Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros begin a 4-game set at Minute Maid Park on Opening Day Thursday. First pitch will take place at 7:08 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the White Sox vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: This will be the first meeting of 2023. The Astros won the season series 4-3 in 2022.

The White Sox missed the playoffs in 2022 with an 81-81 record, finishing 2nd in the AL Central and 5 games back of the final AL Wild Card. Chicago is hoping to have healthier versions of OF Luis Robert, OF Eloy Jimenez, and SS Tim Anderson this season, none of whom played 100 games last year.

Houston is coming off a World Series victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022. The Astros will begin the season without 2B Jose Altuve after he suffered a fractured thumb in the World Baseball Classic and underwent surgery that will keep him sidelined for at least 2 months.

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White Sox at Astros projected starters

RHP Dylan Cease vs. LHP Framber Valdez

Cease went 14-8 in 32 starts during the 2022 season. He finished with a 2.20 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 3.8 BB/9 and 11.1 K/9 in 184 IP.

  • Finished as the runner-up for the AL Cy Young award in 2022 behind former Astros RHP Justin Verlander (currently with the New York Mets)
  • Had at least 5 IP in all but 4 starts last season

Valdez produced a 17-6 record in 31 starts during the 2022 season, finishing with a 2.82 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 3.0 BB/9, and 8.7 K/9 in 201 1/3 IP/

  • Was 5th in the AL Cy Young voting in 2022
  • Registered the 5th most IP among pitchers last season

White Sox at Astros odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:20 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): White Sox +123 (bet $100 to win $123) | Astros -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): White Sox +1.5 (-180) | Astros -1.5 (+155)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7 (O: -125 | U: +102)

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White Sox at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 5, White Sox 3

Moneyline

HOUSTON (-140) is worth taking straight up at -150 odds or better as it looks to start the season strong after winning the World Series in 2022.

Run line/Against the spread

ASTROS -1.5 (+140) is the pick as they boast of the best lineups in baseball even with Altuve sidelined.

The White Sox are 10-22 in the last 32 meetings with the Astros, including losses of 16 and 10 runs in two games last season.

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Over/Under

While Cease and Valdez will be taking the mound on Thursday, OVER 7 (-125) is the lean but only because they likely won’t pitch their usual number of innings.

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Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Houston Astros (40-25) host the Chicago White Sox (31-32) for the rubber match of their 3-game series on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. First pitch at Minute Maid Park is scheduled for 7:08 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the White Sox vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Chicago evened the series by shutting out Houston 7-0 Saturday after being clobbered in the series opener 13-3 Friday. This is the 1st White Sox-Astros series of the season and it’s tied 1-1. The teams meet again Aug. 15-18 in Chicago.

White Sox at Astros projected starters

RHP Michael Kopech vs. RHP Cristian Javier 

Kopech is 2-2 with a 1.92 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 4.2 BB/9 and 8.9 K/9 in 51 2/3 IP over 11 starts.

  • Exited Sunday’s start after just 13 pitches thrown and 2/3 IP with right knee soreness in Chicago’s 8-6 home loss to the Texas Rangers.
  • 2022 road splits: 1-1 with a 2.35 ERA (23 IP, 6 ER), 1.17 WHIP, 2 HR and 9.8 K/9 in 5 starts.

Javier is 3-3 with a 3.20 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 11.2 K/9 in 50 2/3 IP over 8 starts and 4 relief appearances.

  • Last start: No-decision in Houston’s 5-3 loss at the Rangers Monday with 6 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 3 BB and 7 K.
  • 2022 home splits: 2-2 with a 1.98 ERA (27 1/3 IP, 6 ER), 0.88 WHIP, 2 HR and 11.5 K/9 in 4 starts and 2 relief outings.

White Sox at Astros odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:46 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): White Sox +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Astros -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): White Sox +1.5 (-170) | Astros -1.5 (+135)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -105 | U: -120)

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White Sox at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

White Sox 4, Astros 2

Money line

BET a half-unit on the WHITE SOX (+125) because the reverse line movement headed toward Chicago in the betting market is my biggest handicapping angle.

The Astros (-155) were listed at -170 early Sunday morning on Tipico Sportsbook and their ML has been lowered despite more than 90% of the money being wagered on Houston at Tipico.

This suspicious line movement leads me to believe the House is laying a trap with Astros. Kopech was pulled in the 1st inning of his last start, Javier pitches much better at home and Houston has an edge over Chicago in the bullpen and lineup. Yet the Astros are getting cheaper. Hmmm.

Also, the White Sox have a plus-30.7% return on investment (ROI) as road underdogs of +125 or more, which includes Chicago’s 7-0 victory over Houston Saturday with SP Justin Verlander on the hill.

BET the WHITE SOX (+125) lightly because of Houston’s aforementioned 2-phase edge.

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Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

The White Sox +1.5 (-170) is out of my price range because they have only a plus-20.4% RL ROI in the situation described above.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 7.5 (-120) because we are getting to the party late on the total since White Sox-Astros opened at 8 and has been lowered due to sharp action, per Pregame.com.

In fact, nearly 90% of the money is on the Under whereas 60% of the bets placed are on the Over 7.5 (-108). Typically, you want to follow the money when it’s counter to the public since professional bettors wager a lot more cash than your average Joe.

Also, Chicago’s lineup scores nearly 3 runs fewer per 9 innings vs. right-handed pitching (6.3-3.6) and Houston is 2-6 O/U in Javier’s 8 starts.

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Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Chicago White Sox (30-31) visit the Houston Astros (39-24) Friday for the start of a 3-game series at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the White Sox vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Chicago went into Detroit this week and swept the Tigers 3-0. The White Sox are 6-4 straight up (SU) in their last 10 games after dropping 2 straight series at home vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers.

Houston won 2 of 3 at the Texas Rangers this week and the Astros are 5-5 SU in their last 10 after losing 2 consecutive series at home vs. the Seattle Mariners and Miami Marlins.

The Astros beat the White Sox 5-2 in last year’s regular-season series with a plus-12 run differential in those meetings. Houston eliminated Chicago in the 2021 American League Division Series (ALDS) 3-1 and the Astros outscored the White Sox 31-18 in the ALDS.

White Sox at Astros projected starters

RHP Lucas Giolito vs. LHP Framber Valdez

Giolito is 4-2 with a 3.88 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 3.7 BB/9 and 11.8 K/9 in 53 1/3 IP over 10 starts.

  • Last start: No-decision in Chicago’s 11-9 loss at home vs. the Rangers Saturday with 5 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 1 HR, 3 BB and 8 K.
  • 2021 vs. the Astros: One start, a complete-game 10-1 home win July 17 with 1 ER, 3 H, 1 HR, 0 BB and 8 K.

Valdez is 6-3 with a 2.64 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 7.3 K/9 in 75 IP over 12 starts.

  • Last start: Lost 5-1 Saturday at home vs. the Marlins with 6 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 3 BB and 6 K.
  • 2021 vs. the White Sox: 1-1 with a 4.05 ERA (13 1/3 IP, 6 ER), 13 H, 3 HR, 4 BB and 9 K in 2 starts.

White Sox at Astros odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:11 p.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): White Sox +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Astros -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): White Sox +1.5 (-155) | Astros -1.5 (+125)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -122 | U: -102)

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White Sox at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 5, White Sox 3

Money line

BET a half-unit only on the ASTROS (-170) at this price because their ML is dropping so we might get a better number closer to the first pitch.

Also, there’s more money on the White Sox (+135) but more bets have been placed on the Astros, according to Pregame.com. Typically, it’s wise to follow the money when it’s counter to the public since professional bettors put up a lot more dough than your average Joe.

That said, the Astros have a 3-phase edge over the White Sox in starting and relief pitching and hitting.

Valdez’s advanced pitching stats rank ahead of Giolito’s and Houston’s bullpen has a better WAR than Chicago’s (2.3-1.5) per FanGraphs.

The Astros beat the White Sox in several advanced hitting metrics including WAR (11.8-6.1) wRC+ (112-99), wOBA (.319-.303) and BB/K rate (0.48-0.32).

This is a profitable spot for the Astros who are 9-2 SU at home vs. right-handed starters as favorites of -160 or greater with a plus-23.2% return on investment.

Wait until closer to the first pitch for a better number on Houston and only “flat-BET” the ASTROS (-170) 1 unit instead of betting to win 1 unit.

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Run line/Against the spread

LEAN to the ASTROS -1.5 (+125) because of the aforementioned 3-phase edge and the plus-money payout on Houston’s RL.

However, I cannot fully get there on the Astros covering since the White Sox +1.5 (-155) are taking sharp action and are 9-6 RL as road underdogs.

Over/Under

PASS. 

The Astros are 3-8 O/U at home vs. righties as -160 ML favorites or greater but the White Sox are 4-0-2 O/U in Giolito’s 6 road starts this season and this is a sharp total.

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ALDS Game 3: Houston Astros at Chicago White Sox odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Houston Astros at Chicago White Sox ALDS Game 3 odds and lines, with expert MLB picks and predictions.

The Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox continue their best-of-five AL Division Series Sunday at 8:07 p.m. ET at Guaranteed Rate Field. Let’s analyze the lines around the Astros vs. White Sox odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Luis Garcia is the projected starting pitcher for the Astros. He went 11-8 with a 3.30 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 9.7 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9 across 155 1/3 IP spanning 28 starts and two relief outings.

  • Posted a 2.39 ERA at home and a 4.24 figure on the road.
  • Was effective in a June 18 start against the White Sox: 7 IP, 7 hits, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K.

RHP Dylan Cease is the projected starter for the White Sox. He went 13-7 with a 3.91 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 12.3 K/9, and 3.7 BB/9 through 165 2/3 IP over 32 starts in the regular season.

  • Finished the regular season on a roll, albeit against a weak schedule. Allowed just 1 ER over 14 1/3 IP (with 4 BB, 24 K) across starts against the Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers.
  • Clocked a 3.18 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 85 IP at home.
  • Struggled in two regular-season starts against the Astros: 9 IP, 9 ER.

Astros at White Sox odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Astros +102 (bet $100 to win $102) | White Sox -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Astros +1.5 (-200) | White Sox -1.5 (+160)
  • Over/Under: 8.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Prediction

White Sox 5, Astros 3

Money line (ML)

Houston took five of seven games from Chicago in the regular season, and the Astros are up 2-0 in this playoff series. Houston was a solid run line play in Games 1 and 2, and the Astros covered both. However, with this pitching matchup and the White Sox at home, there is an opportunity to leverage some gravity in this series.

From July 7-Aug. 7, Garcia posted a 13.3 K/9 and 1.7 BB/9. Since then, Garcia’s stuff has leveled off, and he has logged 7.0 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9 figures. His ERA over that second stretch has been suppressed by a low home run/fly ball rate (and Garcia is a fly-ball pitcher) and a high left-on-base rate.

Garcia can be average on the road, and Cease has been excellent at home. Due in part to a .309 batting average on balls in play, Cease has some expected-ERA figures that point to better quality than what shows in his surface ERA. Statcast quality-of-contact metrics corroborate that analysis.

Only the San Francisco Giants (54 home wins) won more home games than the Pale Hose (53) in the regular season.

In this yard on this day, TAKE CHICAGO (-125).

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The White Sox can be quite average against ground-ball pitchers. And that’s what Chicago saw in Games 1 and 2 against RHP Lance McCullers and LHP Framber Valdez. The Pale Hose are a much more dangerous offense at home and against fly-ball hurlers.

BACK THE WHITE SOX -1.5 (+160).

Over/Under (O/U)

Game 3 lays out with some crisscrossing trends and signals. Figure just the slightest of leans on the Under, but a PASS is suggested.

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ALDS Game 2: Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros ALDS Game 2 odds and lines, with expert MLB picks and predictions.

The Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros continue their best-of-five AL Division Series Friday at 2:07 p.m. ET at Minute Maid Park. Let’s analyze the lines around the White Sox vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Lucas Giolito is the projected starting pitcher for the White Sox. He is 11-9 with a 3.53 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 10.1 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9 through 178 2/3 IP over 31 starts in the regular season.

  • Allowed just 2 ER over his last 16 1/3 IP, and owns a 2.36 ERA and 0.97 WHIP since Aug. 9.
  • Posted a 3.00 ERA on the road (3.93 at home) over the last three years.

LHP Framber Valdez is the projected starter for the Astros. Went 11-6 with a 3.14 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 8.4 K/9 and 3.9 BB/9 through 134 2/3 IP spanning 22 starts.

  • Has allowed a fine .671 OPS over his career and has held foes to a mere .625 mark across 156 1/3 IP over his career at home.
  • Faces a White Sox club swung around to its best platoon splits. Chicago owns a .775 OPS against left-handers.

White Sox at Astros odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 8:50 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: White Sox +102 (bet $100 to win $102) | Astros -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: White Sox +1.5 (-205) | Astros -1.5 (+165)
  • Over/Under: 7.5 (O: -125 | U: +100)

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Prediction

Astros 5, White Sox 3

Money line (ML)

Houston took five of seven games from Chicago in the regular season. The Astros went 4-0 in the games at Minute Maid and outscored the White Sox, 27-8 in those contests. Houston won Thursday’s series opener, 6-1.

With a similar bent to this contest, the Astros are the lean but PASS on the ML and consider the run line leverage and a plus payout.

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

The White Sox can be quite average against ground-ball pitchers. They had trouble with RHP Lance McCullers and his ground-ball stuff (56.4% GB) in the opener. Valdez owns a monster 70.3% GB rate.

Bullpens, defense and the ability to hit relief pitching are all Houston advantages. BACK THE ASTROS -1.5 (+165).

Over/Under (O/U)

The White Sox finished the regular season on a good note, slashing a .283/.361/.467 (.827 OPS) over their last 12 games. Houston had its ups and downs in September but still owns a robust .272/.342/.466 (.809) line over its last 41 games.

Peg the starters here as having some fade lean. And any rest-rust trepidation in taking an over is now cleared.

The Over was a strong play in the opener, but the 7 combined runs fell a half-run short. The OVER 7.5 (-125) is a solid play for Game 2.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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ALDS Game 1: Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros ALDS Game 1 odds and lines, with expert MLB picks and predictions.

The Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros open their best-of-five AL Division Series Thursday at 4:07 p.m. ET at Minute Maid Field. Let’s analyze the lines around the White Sox vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Lance Lynn is the projected starting pitcher for the White Sox. He went 11-6 with a 2.69 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 10.1 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9 through 157 IP spanning 28 starts.

  • Has logged a few clunkers while posting a 4.46 ERA since Aug. 12. Has mostly been a 5-inning starter after giving the White Sox more innings in the season’s first half.
  • Making his first postseason start since 2014 with the St. Louis Cardinals (pitched in relief in 2015 and 2018 playoffs). Owns a 4.80 ERA over 54 1/3 career postseason innings.

RHP Lance McCullers Jr., is the projected starter for the Astros. He went 13-5 with a 3.16 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 10.3 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9 across 162 1/3 IP over 28 starts in the regular season.

  • Has allowed a fine .671 OPS over his career but in 60 career games at Minute Maid Park, has held foes to a mere .625 mark.
  • Current Chicago bats own a .602 OPS and .079 isolated power against him.
  • Had three dodgy starts in last year’s postseason and totaled a 4.91 ERA in 14 2/3 IP. Owns a 3.28 ERA in 46 2/3 career playoff innings.

White Sox at Astros odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:50 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: White Sox +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Astros -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: White Sox +1.5 (-180) | Astros -1.5 (+145)
  • Over/Under: 7.5 (O: -125 | U: +100)

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Prediction

Astros 5, White Sox 3

Money line (ML)

Chicago won the AL Central and finished the regular season on an upswing. The Pale Hose went 6-1 over their final seven games.

The Astros faltered a bit late but led the AL West from June 20-on. For the season, they played .630 ball (51-30) at home with a plus-100 run differential.

Houston took five of seven games from Chicago in the regular season. The Astros went 4-0 in the games at Minute Maid and outscored the White Sox, 27-8 in those contests.

The Astros are the lean for the opener but PASS on the ML and consider the run-line leverage and a plus payout,

Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Chicago sports a sometimes average offense on the road, and the White Sox can be quite average against ground-ball pitchers. McCullers logged a high 56.4% GB rate in the regular season, and he has excellent numbers against current Chicago bats.

The ability to hit different pitchers becomes a big key in the postseason. The Astros’ .789 OPS against relief pitchers led MLB in the regular season.

BACK THE ASTROS -1.5 (+145).

Over/Under (O/U)

The strongest play in Thursday’s series opener is the OVER 7.5 (-125). It’s a play on two very good offenses and a fade of both starting pitchers.

The White Sox finished the regular season on a good note, slashing a .283/.361/.467 (.827 OPS) over their last 12 games. Houston had its ups and downs in September but still owns a robust .272/.342/.466 (.809) line over its last 41 games.

In the dueling battle of Lances, Lynn got some generous numbers all around the margins (including a .263 batting average on balls in play). McCullers filed a .273 BABIP. Expected-ERA figures for both are significantly higher than their surface numbers.

The three off days make for some rest-rust issues, but the total here is one to leverage.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Chicago White Sox (43-27) meet the Houston Astros (41-28) Saturday for the third game of their four-game series at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the White Sox vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Houston beat Chicago 2-1 Friday thanks to a DH Yordan Álvarez walk-off double that scored 1B Yuli Gurriel to conclude what was an awesome pitching duel.

Season series: Astros lead 2-0.

RHP Lance Lynn is on the hill for the White Sox. Lynn is 7-2 with a 1.51 ERA (71 2/3 IP, 12 ER), 0.94 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 10.0 K/9 across 12 starts.

  • Last outing: Loss, 5-2, with 6 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 3 BB and 8 K Monday vs. the Tampa Bay Rays.
  • vs. Astros on the current roster: 157 at-bats with a .312/.365/.554 slash line, 43/12 K/BB, 10 HR and 24 RBIs.

LHP Framber Valdez makes his fifth start for the Astros. Valdez is 3-0 with a 1.42 ERA (25 1/3 IP, 4 ER), 0.95 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 8.5 K/9 this year.

  • Last outing: Win, 14-3, with 7 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 3 BB and 2 K Sunday at the Minnesota Twins.
  • No career starts vs. the White Sox.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV and Washington D.C. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
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White Sox at Astros odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:58 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: White Sox +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Astros -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: White Sox +1.5 (-190) | Astros -1.5 (+155)
  • Over/Under: 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Prediction

Astros 3, White Sox 2

Money line (ML)

The ASTROS (-130) FIRST 5 INNINGS for a three-fourths unit is the play – even though the White Sox have an 18-4 record when facing a lefty starter –  because Valdez has been stellar vs. righties this year.

Throughout his career, Valdez’s handedness splits are fairly similar against both righties and lefties but this season he’s actually been more effective vs. right-handed-hitting than lefties.

Granted it’s a small sample size since he’s only made four starts this season; however, righties’ slash line vs. Valdez is .179/.256/.256 through 78 at-bats and the White Sox have six right-handed hitters and three switch-hitters in their projected lineup.

Also, the White Sox have been mediocre on the road this season with just a 16-15 record away from Chicago and have lost eight of their last nine road games against teams with a winning record.

The reason for BETTING the ASTROS (-130) FIRST 5 INNINGS instead of their full game money line is because Houston’s bullpen has a 14-15 record with 12 blown saves (eighth in the majors) and is 25th in WAR.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Since Houston’s bullpen is unreliable and Lynn is leading the American League in ERA (among qualified starters), I don’t see the value in either Astros -1.5 (+155) for the full game or Astros -0.5 (+110) First 5 Innings. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

“LEAN” to the UNDER 7.5 (-105) for a half unit only, since I prefer the Houston outright more than the total in White Sox-Astros.

That being said, both starters have been dominant so far this season and the presumed “sharp” money is on the Under whereas there are more bets placed on the Over (according to Pregame.com).

Since I prefer to play sides more than totals, I typically will lean on the betting splits when handicapping the total unless otherwise noted.

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Bet on this game now at BetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Houston Astros (39-28) host the Chicago White Sox (43-25) for the first of a four-game series at Minute Maid Park Thursday. Game 1’s first pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the White Sox vs. Astros odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: 0-0.

RHP Dylan Cease makes his 14th start for the White Sox. Cease is 5-2 with a 3.38 ERA (66 2/3 IP, 25 ER), 1.28 WHIP, 3.9 BB/9 and 11.5 K/9 this year.

  • Last outing: Win, 15-2, with 5 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 1 BB and 7 K Saturday at the Detroit Tigers.
  • vs. Astros on the current roster: 16 at-bats with a .250/.429/.500 slash line, 3/5 K/BB, 1 HR and 1 RBI.

RHP Jose Urquidy takes the mound for the Astros. Urquidy is 4-3 with a 3.77 ERA (62 IP, 26 ER), 1.03 WHIP, 1.6 BB/9 and 8.0 K/9 over 11 starts.

  • Last outing: No-decision with 7 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 1 BB and 7 K in Houston’s 6-4 win at the Minnesota Twins Friday.
  • No career appearances vs. White Sox.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV and Washington D.C. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
  • RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you’ll get up to $600 in free bets. Bet now!

White Sox at Astros odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:45 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: White Sox +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Astros -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: White Sox +1.5 (-185) | Astros -1.5 (+150)
  • Over/Under: 9 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Prediction

Astros 5, White Sox 3

Money line (ML)

GIMME the ASTROS (-125) FIRST 5 INNINGS for 1 unit since they have a decisive edge in the starting pitching matchup, but I want to avoid the full game money line because Houston’s bullpen is 27th in WAR.

For instance, Cease has been far less effective on the road and against teams with a winning record; whereas Urquidy pitches well at home, and his numbers don’t dip vs. winning teams.

Cease is undefeated at home (3-0) with a 1.63 home ERA and 1.06 home WHIP but is 2-2 on the road with a 5.79 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP.

Furthermore, Cease is 4-0 against teams below .500 with a 2.23 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP compared to a 1-2 record vs. teams above .500 with a 6.38 ERA and 1.69 WHIP.

On the other side, Urquidy is 3-1 at home with a 2.83 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 12.0 K/BB rate vs. a 1-2 record on the road with a 4.59 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 3.4 K/BB rate.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

PASS with a slight “lean” to the Astros -1.5 (+150) because I love the price point here. However, Houston’s bullpen is just too unreliable, and Chicago’s lineup is too deadly.

Over/Under (O/U)

Slight “LEAN” to the UNDER 9 (-120) for a half unit because that’s where the presumed “sharp” side of the market is betting.

According to Pregame.com, more than 85% of the money wagered is on the Under; whereas a slight majority of the bets placed are on the Over, and typically, it’s wiser to follow the money in sports betting when it’s going in the opposite direction as the public.

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Bet on this game now at BetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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