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The Chicago Cubs (47-52) welcome the Arizona Diamondbacks (50-48) to Wrigley Field Saturday for the 2nd of their 3-game series. First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m. ET (FOX). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Diamondbacks vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Tied 2-2
The Diamondbacks won the opening game in the series 5-2 Friday, closing at +127 on the moneyline. 1B Christian Walker ended with a game-high 2 RBI. They have won 5 of their last 6 games and 4 of their last 5 on the road. Arizona is 24-24 in away games this season and 50-48 against the spread (ATS).
The Cubs, who are 25-22 at home this season, have lost 3 of their last 4 games. Their struggles are coming on the back of a 5-game win streak, though. Chicago has won 3 of its last 5 at home and is 47-52 ATS on the season. It won 2 of 3 on the road in Arizona from April 15-17, the only other series between these 2 this season.
Diamondbacks at Cubs projected starters
RHP Zac Gallen vs. RHP Kyle Hendricks
Gallen (6-5, 3.87 ERA) makes his 16th start. He has a 1.21 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 8.9 K/9 through 76 2/3 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 3 2/3 IP, 6 ER, 9 H, 1 BB, 1 K in 8-7 home loss to the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday
- 2024 away splits: 2-2, 4.65 ERA (31 IP, 16 ER), 1.29 WHIP, 5 HR, 9.6 K/9 in 7 starts
- Career vs. Cubs: 2-1, 3.03 ERA (29 2/3 IP, 10 ER), 0.88 WHIP, 10.3 K/9 in 5 starts
Hendricks (2-7, 6.78 ERA) makes his 13th start and 18th appearance. He has a 1.51 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 6.4 K/9 through 70 1/3 innings.
- Last start: Win, 7 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 3 K in 5-1 road win over the St. Louis Cardinals July 12
- 2024 home splits: 1-3, 6.37 ERA (29 2/3 IP, 21 ER), 1.62 WHIP, 2 HR, 8.2 K/9 in 8 appearances (5 starts)
- Career vs. Diamondbacks: 5-3, 4.54 ERA (69 1/3 IP, 35 ER), 1.28 WHIP, 7.5 K/9 in 12 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 FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:10 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Diamondbacks -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Cubs +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Diamondbacks -1.5 (+118) | Cubs +1.5 (-142)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Diamondbacks at Cubs picks and predictions
Prediction
Diamondbacks 5, Cubs 4
Moneyline
BET DIAMONDBACKS (-130).
The Cubs are 4-13 on the season with Hendricks on the mound and have lost 9 of his last 11 starts. It has been even worse at home as they have lost 6 of his last 7 starts.
Couple his ERA with the Cubs, who have scored 4 or fewer in 3 of their last 4 games, and the home side doesn’t offer good plus-money value. The Diamondbacks, who have won 3 straight on the road and have scored at least 5 in 4 straight games, are the better option.
Back DIAMONDBACKS (-130).
Run line/Against the spread
PASS.
The Diamondbacks are too risky as a run-line favorite while the Cubs, especially with Hendricks on the mound, are too expensive as a run-line underdog.
Avoid this option.
Over/Under
BET OVER 8.5 (-105).
The Diamondbacks offense has been clicking and will be facing a weaker starting option. They have gone Over in 3 of their last 4 games and are 52-43-3 O/U on the season. Arizona is 6-1 O/U in its last 7 on the road.
The Cubs have gone Over in 3 of their last 4 and have scored at least 4 runs in 7 of their last 9. Considering the offense trends for both sides, back OVER 8.5 (-105).
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