Astros vs. Phillies World Series Game 5 odds, trends: Houston big favorite behind Justin Verlander, but bettors still largely backing Philadelphia

It's quite the night for sports fans in Philadelphia and Houston as the unbeaten Eagles visit the Texans on Thursday Night Football, and the Astros visit the Phillies in Game 5 of the World Series. The series is tied at 2-2 following Houston's historic no-hitter Wednesday. Speaking of no-hitters, tonight's Astros starter Justin Verlander has three of them in his career and Houston is a -160 favorite behind the surefire AL Cy Young winner. However, bettors at Caesars Sportsbook are largely backing the home team at +135. Click here for model picks.

The Phillies had been 6-0 at home in these playoffs until the 5-0 loss in Game 4. It was the fourth time in the Expansion Era (since 1961) when a team was no-hit at home while on at least a six-game home winning streak, in the regular season or postseason. The last team to have suffered that fate was the 2008 Astros. The Phillies became the first team in MLB history to hit at least five homers in a game (Game 3) and then be no-hit in their next game (regular season or playoffs).

There have been back-to-back shutouts in this Fall Classic, just the third time in the LCS Era (since 1969) that there were back-to-back shutouts in the World Series (2012, 2014). The last time there were three straight shutouts in the World Series was 1966, all by the Orioles against the Dodgers.

As of this writing just 28% of bets and the 50% of money are on Houston despite Verlander getting the ball. He was historically good in the regular season at 18-4 with a 1.75 ERA at age 39 but is 1-0 with a 7.20 ERA in three playoff games. He coughed up a 5-0 lead in Game 1 by allowing five runs and six hits over five. He is 0-6 with a 6.07 ERA in eight starts in his World Series for his career. That's the worst ERA of any pitcher with at least 30 innings in the Fall Classic. He could be making his final start as a member of the Astros, as he'll be a free agent at the completion of the World Series.

It's Noah Syndergaard for Philadelphia, but he'll likely only be allowed one turn through the lineup unless he's dominating. Syndergaard (10-10, 3.94 ERA in regular season) was set to pitch Game 3 but was bumped when the initial scheduled game was rained out. "Thor" has a 1.69 ERA in three appearances spanning 5.1 innings in these playoffs.

Verlander and Syndergaard faced off way back on April 9 when Syndergaard was with the Angels and both were coming off Tommy John surgery. The Angels won 2-0.

On the total of 7.5, 65% of bets and 82% of money are on the Over.

Looking for the best picks against the spread, sharp plays on the total and props you can take straight to the pay window? Join Jonathan Coachman on The Early Edge as he speaks with SportsLine's top handicappers to preview the day's biggest games. We promise to keep it short and sweet and to put some green in your pocket. The Early Edge is in your feed every single day by 11 a.m. ET. Subscribe right here on YouTube to watch daily, plus don't miss The Early Edge specials and live shows!