Braves vs. Astros Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 21, 2023

April 20, 2023, by Matt Rooney MLB Predictions

The Houston Astros (9-10), led by Mauricio Dubon on a 14-game hitting streak, will meet the Atlanta Braves (14-5) Friday at Truist Park. The Braves are -115 favorites for the matchup, which starts at 7:20 PM ET on Apple TV+.

Atlanta’s Bryce Elder and Houston’s Hunter Brown have been named the starters for this contest.

Braves vs. Astros Odds

Braves odds to win: -115
Astros odds to win: -103
Spread: Braves -1.5
Total: 8.5 runs

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Game Time and Information

Date: Friday, April 21, 2023
Time: 7:20 PM ET
TV: Apple TV+

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Who Will Win Braves vs. Astros?

Braves and Astros Betting Trends

The Braves are 12-5 in games they were favored on the moneyline (winning 70.6% of those games).

Atlanta has a 12-4 record (winning 75% of its games) when it has played as moneyline favorites of -115 or shorter.

This season, the Astros have won two out of the four games in which they’ve been the underdog.

Houston has played as an underdog of -103 or more once this season and lost that game.

In the 19 games in which oddsmakers have set an over/under for the Braves, they have combined with opponents to go over the total 10 times (10-8-1).

Games involving the Astros have gone over the total set by bookmakers in 12 of 19 chances this season.

Braves Stats & Insights

The Braves have the No. 8 offense in MLB action scoring 5.1 runs per game (97 total runs).

Atlanta ranks fourth in MLB play with 27 home runs. They average 1.4 per game.

The Braves have the fifth-best batting average in the league (.263).

Atlanta strikes out 9.3 times per game to rank 22nd in baseball.

The pitching staff for the Braves has a collective 9.1 K/9, which ranks 13th in MLB.

Atlanta has the sixth-ranked team ERA among all MLB pitching staffs (3.28).

Astros Stats & Insights

The Astros are among the highest scoring teams in the majors, ranking 10th with 96 total runs this season.

Houston has hit 19 homers this season, which ranks 18th in the majors.

The Astros rank 12th in MLB with a .250 team batting average.

Houston ranks 11th with an average of 8.4 strikeouts per game.

The Astros strike out 9.4 batters per nine innings as a pitching staff, eighth-best in MLB.

Houston pitchers have a combined ERA of 3.31 ERA this year, seventh-best in baseball.

Braves Key Players to Watch

Elder makes the start for the Braves, his fourth of the season. He is 2-0 with a 1.53 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 17 2/3 innings pitched.

Ronald Acuna Jr. leads Atlanta in batting average (.367) this season while adding three home runs and 11 RBI.

Matt Olson leads Atlanta in home runs with six and runs batted in with 20.

Sean Murphy has collected 14 base hits, an OBP of .420 and a slugging percentage of .611 this season.

Austin Riley is batting .282 with an OBP of .376 and a slugging percentage of .479 this season.

Astros Key Players to Watch

The Astros will hand the ball to Brown (2-0) for his fourth start of the season.

Kyle Tucker leads the Astros with four home runs.

Yordan Alvarez’s four home runs and 21 RBI are both team-highs.

Jeremy Pena has six doubles, three home runs and four walks while batting .211.

Alex Bregman is batting .216 with two doubles, two home runs and 13 walks.

Braves and Astros Injuries

Braves: Orlando Arcia: 10 Day IL (Wrist), Michael Harris II: 10 Day IL (Back), Lucas Luetge: 15 Day IL (Biceps), Collin McHugh: 15 Day IL (Shoulder), Raisel Iglesias: 15 Day IL (Shoulder), Huascar Ynoa: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Kolby Allard: 60 Day IL (Oblique), Tyler Matzek: 60 Day IL (Elbow), Travis d’Arnaud: 7 Day IL (Concussion)

Astros: Jose Altuve: 10 Day IL (Thumb), Michael Brantley: 10 Day IL (Shoulder), Lance McCullers Jr.: 15 Day IL (Elbow), Parker Mushinski: 15 Day IL (Spine), Chas McCormick: day-to-day (Eye)