The Chicago Cubs (1-2) will begin a 3-game series against the Cincinnati Reds (2-1) on Monday at Great American Ball Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Reds odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Cubs went 11-8 vs, the Reds in 2022
The Cubs wrapped up a 3-game series at Wrigley Field against the Milwaukee Brewers losing 9-5 on Sunday, the 2nd straight loss after a win on Opening Day. SS Dansby Swanson has gotten off to a great start for Chicago, going 7-for-12 with 2 RBIs in his first 3 games with his new team.
The Reds went 2-1 in their 3-game opening series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Cincinnati won 3-1 on Sunday as Graham Ashcraft pitched 7 strong inning (4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB 6 K’s). Jason Vosler, filling in at 1B with Joey Votto injured, hit a solo HR.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Cubs at Reds projected starters
LHP Drew Smyly vs. RHP Connor Overton
Smyly was 7-8 in 22 starts in 2022 with a 3.47 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9, and 7.7 K.9 in 106 1/3 IP.
- Has made 22-plus starts in back-to-back seasons
- His 3.47 ERA in 2022 was the best mark of his career in a season where he started in 10-plus games since 2015
Overton was 1-0 in 4 starts last season with a 2.73 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 3 BB/9, and 3.8 K/9 in 33 IP.
- Has yet to make more than 4 starts in a season
- Didn’t allow more than 2 runs in any of his 4 starts in 2022
Cubs at Reds odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:12 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Cubs -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Reds +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (+135) | Reds -1.5 (-160)
- Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: +100 | U: -120)
Win your fantasy baseball league with BaseballHQ.com. For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! Use the couple code SBW23 for $15 OFF a Draft Prep or full-season subscription. New customer offer; expires 4/30/2023. Subscribe today and start winning!
Cubs at Reds picks and predictions
Prediction
Cubs 4, Reds 3
Moneyline
Even though the Reds have surprisingly begun the season with a winning record, I’ll back the CUBS (-125) in this NL Central matchup.
Run line/Against the spread
REDS +1.5 (-160) is how I’d wager on the spread, though, I’d prefer to get it at -150 odds or better if available. Cincinnati is capable of keeping this game close at home with neither team getting consistency from its bats to begin the season.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Over/Under
UNDER 9 (-120) is the pick in this contest despite Great American Ball Park being a favorable hitting venue. Smyly and Overton should have solid outings against these lineups, and fewer than 9 runs have been scored in 6 of the last 10 meetings.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow Skyler Carlin on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
BaseballPress.com: Your source for every MLB lineup
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]