San Francisco Giants at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

The San Francisco Giants (11-16) begin a 3-game series against the Houston Astros (15-13) on Monday at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET (FS1). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Giants vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting since the 2021 season (Giants won 2-1)

The Giants lost 6-4 to the San Diego Padres on Sunday as they dropped both games in the Mexico City series. San Francisco is on a 3-game losing streak following a 5-game winning streak.

The Astros beat the Philadelphia Phillies 4-3 on Sunday to end a 2-game losing streak. Houston has won 7 of its last 10 games.

Giants at Astros projected starters

RHP Ross Stripling vs. RHP Luis Garcia

Stripling (0-1, 6.89 ERA) makes his 3rd start. He has a 1.60 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9 and 8.0 K/9 in 15 2/3 IP.

• Has given up 6 HR in 5 appearances (2 starts)
• Has a 1-1 record with a 4.97 ERA, 1.82 WHIP, and 6.4 K/9 in 3 career starts against the Astros

Garcia (2-2, 4.00 ERA) makes his 6th start. He has a 1.26 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 10.3 K/9 in 27 IP.

• Allowed a combined 0 ER on 5 H with 3 BB and 16 K in his last 2 starts after giving up 12 ER on 19 H in his 1st 3 starts
• Has 7-plus K’s in his last 3 starts and has won back-to-back starts

Giants at Astros odds

BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:26 a.m. ET.

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Giants at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 5, Giants 2

PASS.

While the Astros are favored to secure the win at home, taking them straight up at nearly -200 odds isn’t worth the risk. That being said, you can pair Garcia’s strikeouts and Houston’s moneyline for decent odds in this contest.

ASTROS -1.5 (+105) is the pick in this contest after the Giants travel to Houston after playing in high-altitude Mexico City the previous 2 days. On top of that, Stripling has struggled with a whopping 15.4% barrel percentage and a 117.8 mph max EV (exit velocity).

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UNDER 8.5 (-110) is the ideal bet with Garcia taking the mound for the Astros. Garcia has shut out the Toronto Blue Jays and the Tampa Bay Rays in his last 2 starts.

The Astros are 4-0 to the Under in their last 4 interleague games and 5-0 in their last 5 games overall.

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