Atlanta Braves vs. Houston Astros: Latest World Series 2021 Predictions and Odds

Sunday's come-from-behind victory kept the Houston Astros' dreams of a second World Series championship in five years alive as they return home for a crucial Game 6.

What are the odds ahead of the showdown in Houston, and what can you expect from the game between the two high-powered offenses?

Schedule

Tuesday, November 2: Atlanta at Houston, 8:09 p.m., Fox

Wednesday, November 3: Atlanta at Houston, 8:09 p.m., Fox

Game 6 Odds

Atlanta (+1.5) at Houston (-1.5)

Odds via DraftKings.

Prediction

The Atlanta Braves could—and should, have wrapped up the series in Game 5. A decisive 4-1 series win would have left no question or any room for the exceptional. By allowing the Astros back into the series Sunday, they have created a scenario where the AL champs head back home with a chance to make the comeback and win the series on their home field.

It would be a catastrophic loss for a team that had a commanding 3-1 series lead, not to mention the best pitching and most consistent offense throughout.

Thankfully, this still feels like Atlanta's series to win, thanks in large part to the padded lead it gave itself in the series and strong defensive performances.

Even with a 3-2 lead, it appears highly unlikely that Houston can win the necessary three straight games to pull off their second world title since 2017. The Braves' pitching has stunted the Astros' high-powered offense.

The NL champions held Houston to two or fewer home runs in all three of its victories, completely shutting down an offensive arsenal typically fueled by Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve and Co. Braves pitcher Ian Anderson dominated Game 3 of the Fall Classic, carrying a no-hitter into the fifth inning before manager Brian Snitker pulled him, opting to rollout a parade of arms that secured the shutout win.

It has not hurt that the Astros bats haven't come alive as one would expect from such a potent offensive team. Prior to Sunday's explosion, the AL club had gone 4-of-32 with runners in scoring position. Leaving that many potential runs on the board does not help efforts to fight back into a championship series.

Sure, Houston rallied back and put up nine runs Sunday on the strength of Altuve, Correa and Michael Brantley, but the question becomes whether they can replicate such a feat in the two consecutive games they would need to earn title No. 2 in the last five years.

If they can do so Tuesday, all bets are off. 

Still, Atlanta has been the better team throughout. They have excelled in the necessary departments and done so more consistently.

Did they hit a roadblock by wasting Game 5 and the opportunity to celebrate their first World Series title in 26 in front of their home fans? Absolutely. They put themselves in a position of potentially going seven games when it could have avoided that pressure entirely.

Yet it is hard to deny that the Braves have out-performed the Astros in all facets leading into a pivotal Game 6 Tuesday. If they can summon the same oppressive pitching and prevent Houston's stars from beating them, they will hoist the Commissioner's Trophy.

All bets are off if the series stretches seven games, though.

Prediction: Braves in 6

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21+. NJ/PA/WV/IN/NH/IA/CO/IL only. Odds and lines subject to change. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.