Braves vs. Astros odds, line: 2021 World Series Game 3 picks, predictions from model on 208-178 run

The Houston Astros are playing the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of the 2021 World Series on Friday. The Astros won all three road games of 2019 World series against Washington Nationals. Atlanta has come a long way since being 52-54 and in third place in the National League East on July 31.

SportsLine's advanced computer model has picked the 2021 World Series between Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros. The model is on a 208-178 run. Houston is 4-0 in their last four World series road games and Atlanta is 5-1 in its last five.

Houston is 4-0 in their last four World Series road games. Atlanta is 5-1 in its last five games after allowing five or more runs in the previous game.

The Braves are expected to start right-hander Ian Anderson. First baseman Freddie Freeman is Atlanta's second-leading hitter in the 2021 MLB playoffs. Jorge Soler was instrumental in getting the Braves off to a fast start to the World Series opener. He was the designated hitter for the first two games. Since being acquired from the Kansas City Royals, Solers has played well.

Luis Garcia was outstanding in the decisive Game 6 win over the Boston Red Sox in ALCS. Michael Brantley is batting .352 with four doubles, nine RBIs and one stolen base in 12 postseason games. Kyle Tucker has driven in 15 runs this postseason with three doubles and four home runs. He was 2-for-4 with a double in World Series opener on Tuesday and 1- for-3 in Game 2.

SportsLine's model is leaning under on the run total. It predicts starting pitchers from both teams will combine to allow fewer than four runs in nearly 11 combined innings.