Atlanta Braves (73-61) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (79-55)
The calendar singing summer heat and baseball brings us a very thrilling contest in the National League when the Atlanta Braves, who are 73-61, travel to Philadelphia to take on the 79-55 Phillies. As both contests will be pretty tight due to the playoff race, this also promises to be a gripping encounter. This particular game is also among the key games as far as predictions on MLB expert free picks are concerned, owing to the interesting form and statistics correlating with the teams in question.
The Braves have been hitting pretty well throughout all the matches, with a .242 batting average and a vast number of 176 home runs. They managed to hold a decent .415 slugging average and a .307 on-base percentage. The rotation has also been steady, posting a pleasant 3.65 ERA alongside a 1.23 WHIP. In the past 5 games, the Braves have been enjoying good form, winning 4 out of 5. This shows that under pressure, they can win games. Their road games are also commendable for they are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games.
The Phillies have been outstanding this season, ranking 2nd among all the teams concerning a .258 batting rank and even more for their slugging percentage at .421. Their pitchers’ collective ERA is 3.69, somewhat more than that of Atlanta, but their WHIP rank overall is better as it stands at 1.21, meaning that the team does a good job of keeping hitters in check. The Phillies’ previous 10 games at Citizens Bank Park have been more successful than not, with a record of 7-3 SU. Such great performance at home may be very handy if they face the powerful Atlanta Braves and hope to emerge as the winners.
Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies Game Info
| When: | Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 7:15 PM ET |
| Where: | Citizens Bank Park |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Max Fried (8-7, 3.5 ERA) vs. Zack Wheeler (12-6, 2.74 ERA)
The Brave’s basic pitcher, Max Fried for the season has been doing well, with a 3.5 ERA over the 133.2 innings he managed to pitch, even if you can call it that. Fried comes across as more professional with a 1.2 WHIP with 126 strikeouts and 46 walks. Even though he allowed 10 homers, Fried’s reputation as a game manager and damage control has been essential for the team. His road form, a noted strength for Atlanta, will be important for this pressure cooker.
Zack Wheeler for the Phillies is largely regarded as a key hurdle with a solid 2.74 and the WHIP being an even better 1, which is very impressive for a pitcher. Wheeler has also picked a lot of strikeouts with 176 in 160.2 innings but has been close to being flawless with only 45 walks and 17 homers. His command on the mound will be critical towards containing the Brave’s vicious lineup.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Philadelphia Phillies -145, Total Odds: 8
The betting odds are favoring the Phillies slightly, which isn’t surprising given their impressive home record and Wheeler’s strong pitching. However, the total has seen mixed trends with both teams, suggesting a potentially high-scoring game, especially considering both teams’ recent OVER trends in this matchup.
Atlanta Braves Betting Trends
The Braves have shown a tendency to score, with the total going OVER in 4 of their last 5 games, and particularly when playing on the road against Philadelphia. Their success in recent games against Philadelphia, going 5-2 SU, and their overall performance on the road make them a dangerous underdog in this matchup.
Philadelphia Phillies Betting Trends
Philadelphia’s betting trends highlight their strength at home but also point to a mixed bag against teams like Atlanta. The total has gone UNDER in 5 of their last 7 games against Atlanta, contrasting sharply with their general OVER trend at home against them. This dichotomy presents a challenging analysis for bettors.
Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies 8/31/24 Betting Picks
Considering the comprehensive analysis and the strength of both teams, this game promises to be closely contested. The Phillies, with Wheeler at the helm, might have a slight edge due to their robust home record and his commanding presence on the mound. However, the Braves’ recent form and their ability to upset the odds should not be underestimated.
In conclusion, while the Phillies are the safer bet for a straight win, the smarter money might be on the Braves to cover the spread. Additionally, considering both teams’ scoring capabilities and recent trends, betting on OVER 8 runs could offer a good return. As always, keep an eye on any last-minute changes and consider the top online betting options during the game for more dynamic betting opportunities.
