2021 World Series odds: Astros vs. Braves picks, Game 1 predictions, props from MLB expert on 183-132 run

The Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves are playing in the 2021 World Series. First pitch is at 8:09 p.m. ET in Houston. Charlie Morton takes the ball for the Braves and Framber Valdez for Houston, while the over-under for total runs is up half a run to 8.5. John Bollman is SportsLine's No. 1 MLB expert. He has a master's degree in biostatistics and worked in Toronto Blue Jays' analytics department in 2018. His last 315 MLB picks have gone 183-132, returning more than $5,500.

Bollman has revealed his World Series picks and predictions for Game 1 of the Braves vs. Astros World series. The money line for the game is $135. Atlanta is 48-38 on the road this season, while Houston is 55-31 at home.

The Braves are 48-38 on the road this season. The Astros are 55-31 in home games this year.

The Braves are going to play the Astros in the World Series. The Braves have a strong starting pitching situation with Morton and Freddie Freeman. Freddie and Ozzie Albies are star players for the visitors. Eddie Rosario won the NLCS MVP. The Astros are a good team with a lot of depth.

The Houston Astros are the favorites in the World Series. They led Major League Baseball in runs (863), hits (1,496), batting average (267), and on-base percentage (268). Their pitcher, Valdez, posted a 3.14 ERA in 22 starts this season. Valdes held the Boston Red Sox to one run in Game 5 of the ALCS. The Braves have a strong lineup, but Valde's left-handed pitcher is a better option.

Bollman is taking the over on Kyle Tucker's total bases as one of his favorite Braves vs. Astros props. He's also found a critical X-factor that has him jumping all over one side of the money line.