MLS Is Back Betting Odds, Picks and Predictions (Saturday, July 18): Houston Dynamo vs. Portland Timbers

MLS Is Back: Houston Dynamo vs. Portland Timbers Odds

Odds as of Saturday morning and via DraftKings. Get up to a $1,000 sign-up bonus at DraftKings today or see more offers and reviews for the best online sportsbooks.

Things should heat up under the lights at the MLS is Back tournament Saturday when Houston battles Portland in a Group F showdown.

Known for playing highly entertaining matches, the Western Conference foes both enter the game hoping to secure three points in their respective quests to reach the competition’s knockout stage in Orlando.

Portland comes into this game fresh off a 2-1 victory against the Los Angeles Galaxy in its opener. Sebastian Blanco was brilliant in the win, setting up Jeremy Ebobisse to give the Timbers an early second-half lead before scoring the eventual game-winning goal.

Portland dodged several quality Los Angeles opportunities throughout the match, including a missed penalty kick from Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, to pick up all the points.

On the other side, Houston had to be kicking itself after its disappointing 3-3 draw against Los Angeles Football Club in its tournament debut. Trailing 1-0 against LAFC, the Dynamo score three unanswered goals to take a 3-1 lead before giving up two goals during a brutal six-minute span in the second half to settle for the lone point.

It should go without saying this is an extremely important match for both outfits. A Portland win would essentially vault it into the knockout stage. As for Houston, a defeat would be devastating with just one match to play.

Historically, these clubs don’t hold much back when squaring off and I can’t see that trend changing in this tilt. There have been a combined 17 goals scored between the Dynamo and Timbers in their last five meetings, with at least three goals coming in four of those last five games.

That said, I am backing the total going over the number as my top play. Houston and Portland get after it, which should lead to another electric confrontation.

The Dynamo and Timbers have each scored at least a goal in four of those last five games, which is why the line for that prop is sitting at -205. If you're willing to lay that kind of wood, I think that bet has a very good chance to cash, as well.