[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
The Arizona Diamondbacks (49-48) and Chicago Cubs (47-51) return from the All-Star break to open a 3-game series Friday. First pitch from Wrigley Field is set for 2:20 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Diamondbacks vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Chicago leads 2-1
Arizona lost 8-7 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday while failing to cover as a -145 home favorite. The loss ended a 4-game winning streak for the D-backs, who have scored at least 5 runs in 3 straight outings.
Chicago picked up an 8-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday as a +111 road underdog after back-to-back losses. The Cubs return home for the 1st time since July 7 (covering 7 games).
Diamondbacks at Cubs projected starters
RHP Ryne Nelson vs. LHP Justin Steele
Nelson (6-6, 4.98 ERA) makes his 16th start. He has a 1.42 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 6.1 K/9 in 86 2/3 IP.
- Last start: No-decision, 7 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, 5 K in a 5-4 win over Toronto Blue Jays Friday
- Career vs. Cubs: 1-0, 3.00 ERA (9 IP, 3 ER), 6 H, 5 BB, 6 K in 2 starts
Steele (2-3, 2.71 ERA) makes his 15th start. He has a 0.95 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 8.4 K/9 in 86 1/3 IP.
- Last start: Win, 7 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 4 K in an 8-0 win at Baltimore Orioles on July 11
- Career vs. Arizona: 0-1, 3.00 ERA (24 IP, 8 ER), 17 H, 6 BB, 30 K in 4 starts
Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.
Diamondbacks at Cubs odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:55 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Diamondbacks -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Cubs -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Diamondbacks -1.5 (+155) | Cubs +1.5 (-190)
- Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Diamondbacks at Cubs picks and predictions
Prediction
Diamondbacks 2, Cubs 1
Moneyline
LEAN DIAMONDBACKS (-115).
Arizona has won back-to-back road outings and is 6-3 in its last 9 overall. The Diamondbacks are also 3-1 in the last 4 meetings between these squads in Chicago and 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
This is only a lean because the Cubs are 2-1 in their last 3 at home and 7-3 in their last 10 overall.
Run line/Against the spread
PASS.
I expect the Cubs to cover here as +1.5 (-190) underdogs, but they are not worth the risk of betting on here. Bet on the moneyline and/or total instead.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 7.5 (-120).
The Under has hit in each of Chicago’s last 3 home games and is 6-4 in its last 10 overall. The Under has also hit in each of the last 4 Arizona-Chicago meetings in the Windy City, and being 7-3 in the last 10 matchups.
Be aware that the Over is 8-1-1 in Arizona’s last 10 games.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow @payton_shanks on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
Fantasy baseball help from BaseballHQ.com:
Subscribe now to dominate the competition.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]