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The Los Angeles Angels (36-50) and Chicago Cubs (40-48) begin a 3-game series Friday. First pitch from Wrigley Field is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Angels vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First matchup; Angels won the 2023 series 3-0
Chicago avoided the sweep by the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday as their finally offense showed up. The Phillies scored 1st and led 2-0 in the 4th inning. But then the Cubs scored 10 runs, their most since April 16. Cubs LF Ian Happ was the main contributor, going 4-for-4 including a pair of 3-run HRs.
The Los Angeles Angels, on the other hand, struggled to score and were swept in 3 games by the Oakland A’s, losing 5-0 in each of the last 2 games. The Angels left 9 runners on base and went 0-3 with RISP.
Angels at Cubs projected starters
RHP Griffin Canning vs. LHP Justin Steele
Canning (3-8, 4.71 ERA) makes his 18th start. He has a 1.33 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 6.1 K/9 in 93 2/3 IP.
- Last start: No decision, 6 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 K in 6-5 home victory against Detroit Tigers Saturday
- 2024 road splits: 0-6, 5.21 ERA (38 IP, 22 ER), 1.18 WHIP, 6.2 K/9 in 7 starts
- Has never faced the Cubs
Steele (0-3, 3.20 ERA) makes his 13th start. He has a 1.06 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 9.0 K/9 in 70 1/3 IP.
- Last start: No-decision, 6 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 0 BB, 5 K in 5-3 road win versus Milwaukee Brewers Saturday
- 2024 home splits: 0-2, 3.81 ERA (28 1/3 IP, 12 ER), 1.23 WHIP, 7.9 K/9 in 5 starts
- Has never faced the Angels
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.
Angels 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 7:01 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Angels +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Cubs -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Angels +1.5 (-115) | Cubs -1.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 10.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Angels at Cubs picks and predictions
Prediction
Cubs 4, Angels 3
Moneyline
The Cubs are heavy favorites for this game and should win, but the current price is way too risky, especially based on how they have played recently. Chicago hasn’t won the 1st game of a series since June 4 (9 series ago).
Plus the Angels are 13th in MLB as road underdogs going 18-21, a respectable record given the amount of games they have played against a favorite.
PASS.
Run line/Against the spread
The Angels as a road dog cover more often than not with a 24-15 record (61.5%).
The Cubs, on the other hand, are quite bad as a home favorite. They have covered just 6 times in 28 games (21.4%), which is only better than the Boston Red Sox and Miami Marlins.
LEAN ANGELS +1.5 (-115).
Over/Under
Canning has not won on the road so far this season, but the main culprit behind that fact is the Angels’ offense. In 4 of his last 5 road starts Los Angeles has scored just 1 run.
With Steele on the mound for Chicago there may not be many opportunities for LA. And after a loss, the Angels are 28-21 toward the Under (57.1%).
BET UNDER 10.5 (-105).
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