The Houston Astros (85-74) and Los Angeles Angels (71-88) open a 3-game series Friday. First pitch from Angel Stadium in Anaheim is scheduled for 9:38 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Astros vs. Angels odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Astros lead 6-4

The Astros are 1 game back of the Detroit Tigers for the final AL Wild Card spot. They’re coming off a 2-1 series loss at the A’s, wrapping up the set with an 11-5 win Thursday. Houston cashed as a -110 favorite and the Over (9.5) hit. 1B Christian Walker drove in 3 runs, including a solo homer in the eighth, to help the Astros snap a 5-game skid.

The Angels have been eliminated from postseason contention since Sept. 14. They dropped 2 of 3 games vs. the Kansas City Royals in Anaheim, including a 9-4 loss in Thursday’s finale as the Over (9) cashed. DH Mike Trout hit a 2-run homer in the eighth to cut the deficit to 5-4, but the Angels allowed 4 runs in the ninth, giving Kansas City a 99.4% win probability, according to ESPN Analytics.

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Astros at Angels projected starters

RHP Jason Alexander vs. RHP Kyle Hendricks

Alexander (4-2, 4.83 ERA) makes his 13th start and 18th appearance, pitching with the A’s and Astros. He has a 1.39 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 7.6 K/9 through 72 2/3 innings.

Last start: Loss, 1 1/3 IP, 7 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 1 K in 7-3 home defeat vs. Seattle Mariners Sunday2025 road stats: 4-0, 3.19 ERA (36 2/3 IP, 13 ER), 1.15 WHIP, 5.9 K/9 in 5 starts and 3 relief appearancesHas never faced Angels

Hendricks (8-10, 4.79 ERA) makes his 31st start. He has a 1.28 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 6.0 K/9 through 159 2/3 innings.

Last start: Win, 7 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 5 K in 3-0 victory at Colorado Rockies Saturday2025 home stats: 5-5, 4.33 ERA (81 IP, 39 ER), 1.32 WHIP, 5.4 K/9 in 15 starts2025 vs. Astros: 0-1, 5.40 ERA (15 IP, 9 ER), 1.53 WHIP, 19 H, 4 BB, 5 K in 3 startsCareer vs. Astros: 1-1, 3.91 ERA (23 IP, 10 ER), 1.22 WHIP, 23 H, 5 BB, 12 K in 4 startsAstros at Angels odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:56 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Astros -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Angels +115 (bet $100 to win $115)Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Astros -1.5 (+125) | Angels +1.5 (-155)Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Astros at Angels picks and predictionsPrediction

Astros 5, Angels 3

HOUSTON (-135) is 10-2 in Alexander’s starts since he was claimed off waivers in May. He allowed 7 ER against the Mariners in his last outing, but had given up 1 ER or fewer in each of his previous 2 starts.

The Angels have lost 11 of their last 13 games and are 5-7 in Hendrick’s starts since the All-Star break.

BET ASTROS (-135).

While Houston -1.5 (+125) is an OK bet, the straddle is a bit too high in this market.

PASS on the run line.

Neither offense has been sharp lately. The Astros have scored 4 runs or fewer in 5 of their last 6 games, while the Angels have done the same in 5 straight.

On the mound, Alexander has allowed 1 ER or fewer in 2 of his last 3 starts, and Hendricks has tossed 7 shutout innings in 2 of his last 3.

BET UNDER 9 (-115).

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