The Chicago Cubs (18-19) will start a 3-game series against the Minnesota Twins (21-17) on Friday at Target Field. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET (Apple TV+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Twins odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting since the 2021 season (tied 2-2)
The Cubs defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 10-4 on Wednesday to snap a 3-game losing streak. Chicago has gone 4-6 in its last 10 contests.
The Twins beat the San Diego Padres 5-3 on Wednesday, giving them 2 straight wins. Minnesota is 5-5 in its last 10 games.
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Cubs at Twins projected starters
LHP Drew Smyly vs. RHP Sonny Gray
Smyly (3-1, 3.05 ERA) makes his 8th start. He has a 0.99 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 8.0 K/9 in 38 1/3 innings.
- Has given up fewer than 2 ER in 6 of 7 starts
- Is 2-1 with a 3.03 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, and 7.4 K/9 in 6 career starts (16 total appearances) against the Twins
Gray (4-0, 1.35 ERA) makes his 8th start. He has a 1.10 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 10.6 K/9 in 40 innings.
- His last start on May 6 vs. the Cleveland Guardians was his 1st start this season where he allowed more than 1 ER
- Is 4-3 with a 3.11 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 11.5 K/9 in 10 career starts against the Cubs
Cubs at Twins odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:27 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Cubs +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Twins -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs +1.5 (-160) | Twins -1.5 (+135)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Cubs at Twins picks and predictions
Prediction
Twins 4, Cubs 2
Moneyline
Even though their money line is a bit juiced right now, I’ll take the TWINS (-155) with Gray on the mound. Minnesota is 12-7 at home this season compared to Chicago posting a 7-8 record on the road.
Run line/Against the spread
TWINS -1.5 (+135) has solid value with Gray pitching for Minnesota. Smyly has also been great this season, but I trust the Twins to put up enough runs to cover the run line at home.
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Over/Under
UNDER 7.5 (-105) is the pick in this game with both teams rolling out pitchers who have been fantastic to start the season. The Cubs are 5-0 to the Under in their last 5 road games and the Twins are 6-0 to the Under in their last 6 games overall.
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