Atlanta Braves at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Atlanta Braves at Chicago Cubs odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Atlanta Braves (28-18) and Chicago Cubs (27-23) meet for the finale of a 3-game series Thursday. First pitch from Wrigley Field is set for 2:20 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Braves vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Atlanta leads 3-2

Atlanta routed Chicago 9-2 on Wednesday while covering as a -123 road favorite. The Braves led 2-1 before scoring 6 runs in the 7th inning to take control. Atlanta is 2-1 in its last 3 games.

LHP Justin Steele took the loss for Chicago, pitching 6 1/3 innings with  5 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, and 5 K. The Cubs have lost 2 of their last 3.

Braves at Cubs projected starters

RHP AJ Smith-Shawver vs. RHP Ben Brown 

Smith-Shawver (1-2, 6.10 ERA) makes his season debut and 7th career MLB appearance. He has a 1.52 WHIP, 4.9 BB/9 and 10.2 K/9 in 31 IP at AAA.

  • Career vs. Cubs: 0-0, 2.45 ERA (3 2/3 IP, 1 ER), 0 H, 1 BB, 2 K in 1 start
  • Career in the majors: 1-0, 4.26 ERA (25 1/3 IP, 12 ER), 17 H, 11 BB, 20 K across 5 starts and 1 relief appearance

Brown (1-1, 3.57 ERA) makes his 5th start. He has a 1.25 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 9.9 K/9 in 35 1/3 IP.

  • Last start: No-decision, 4 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 5 BB, 5 K in a 7-6 loss vs. the New York Mets on May 2
  • Career vs. Atlanta: 0-0, 4.50 ERA (2 IP, 1 ER), 4 H, 0 BB, 3 K in 1 relief appearance

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Braves 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 12:16 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Braves -125 (bet $126 to win $100) | Cubs +108 (bet $100 to win $108)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Braves -1.5 (+130) | Cubs +1.5 (-160)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Braves at Cubs picks and predictions

Prediction

Braves 4, Cubs 3

Moneyline

LEAN BRAVES (-125).

Atlanta is 2-1 in its last 3 games while Chicago is only 2-4 in its last 6 home games. The Braves are also 6-2 in their last 8 matchups vs. Chicago overall.

This is only a lean because Chicago is 3-1 in its last 4 meetings with Atlanta in Chicago and because both teams are only 4-6 in their last 10 games.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

I like the Cubs to cover here as +1.5 (-160) underdogs, especially given how cold Atlanta has been by its own standards recently. However, the line is not worth the risk of betting on as currently set, so bet on the moneyline and/or total instead.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 9 (-105).

The Under has hit in 3 of Chicago’s last 4 games and is 6-3-1 in its last 10 overall. For Atlanta, the Under is 2-1 in its last 3 outings and 7-3 in its last 10. The Under has also hit in 5 of the last 6 Atlanta-Chicago matchups.

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Atlanta Braves at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Atlanta Braves at Chicago Cubs odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Atlanta Braves (27-17) and Chicago Cubs (26-22) open a 3-game series at Wrigley Field Tuesday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET (TBS). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Braves vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Braves lead 2-1

Atlanta snapped a 4-game skid with a 3-0 win against the San Diego Padres in the nightcap of a doubleheader Monday. LHP Chris Sale gave up just 5 hits in 7 innings for Atlanta, which cashed as a -239 home favorite. DH Marcell Ozuna homered for a 2nd straight game, hitting a solo shot over the left-field wall in the 5th inning.

Chicago fell 3-2 against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday while failing to cash as a -124 home favorite. The Cubs had just 2 hits, and both runs scored on sacrifice flies. RHP Jameson Taillon allowed 3 ER in 4 2/3 innings and picked up the loss.

Braves at Cubs projected starters

RHP Charlie Morton vs. RHP Javier Assad

Morton (3-1, 3.52 ERA) makes his 9th start. He has a 1.15 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 8.6 K/9 in 46 innings.

  • Braves are 4-4 in his starts
  • Has allowed 2 or fewer ER in 4 of his last 5 outings
  • Has allowed 18 ER and 5 HR this season while striking out 44 and walking 17

Assad (4-0, 1.49 ERA) makes his 10th start. He has a 1.03 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 7.8 K/9 in 48 1/3 innings.

  • Cubs are 6-3 in his starts, including 3-0 in his last 3
  • Has allowed 2 or fewer ER in each start
  • Has allowed 8 ER and 2 HR while striking out 42 and walking 15

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Braves 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 10:18 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Braves -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Cubs +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Braves -1.5 (+125) | Cubs +1.5 (-150)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 10 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Braves at Cubs picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 4, Braves 3

Moneyline

BET CUBS (+105).

The Braves have lost 4 of their last 5 games and are coming off a doubleheader. They have scored 3 or fewer runs in 4 of their last 5 and go up against Assad, who has allowed 2 or fewer ER in each of his 9 starts this season. Chicago plays much better at home with a 14-9 record.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

There is no value on the run line.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 10 (-105).

The Braves have hit the Under in 8 of their last 10 games and scored 3 or fewer runs in 4 of their last 5. They have held opponents to 4 or fewer runs in 7 of their last 10. The Cubs have scored 4 or fewer runs in 6 of their last 7 while allowing 3 or fewer runs in 3 of their last 4.

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Atlanta Braves at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Atlanta Braves at Chicago Cubs odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Atlanta Braves (70-38) finish their 3-game series with the Chicago Cubs (57-54) Sunday at Wrigley Field. First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 pm ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Braves vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 1-1

After an 8-0 loss to the Braves in Game 1, the Cubs came back in Game 2. They put up 5 runs in the bottom of the 1st thanks to an error from Braves 1B Matt Olson. And Atlanta’s RHP Bryce Elder allowed 5 ER in 4 1/3 IP. Atlanta is 6-4 over its last 10 games and well ahead in the NL East.

Cubs CF Cody Bellinger continued his impressive stretch these past few months, going 2-for-3 with an RBI. He now has a .322 batting average. And newly acquired 1B Jeimer Candelario went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Olson hit a 2-run homer in the top of the 9th to cut the Cubs’ lead, but it was too little too late as Chicago evened the series with an 8-6 victory at home. The Cubs are 7-3 in their last 10 to pull within 2 1/2 games in the NL Central.

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Braves at Cubs projected starters

RHP Charlie Morton vs. LHP Justin Steele

Morton (10-9, 3.62 ERA) makes his 22nd start. He has a 1.42 WHIP, 4.1 BB/9 and 9.7 K/9 through 119 1/3 IP.

  • Last start: Loss, 6 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 8 K in 4-1 home loss vs. the Los Angeles Angels on Monday
  • 2023 road stats: 5-4, 3.32 ERA (57 IP, 21 ER) in 10 games
  • Career vs. Cubs: 4-6, 5.03 ERA (91 1/3 IP, 51 ER) in 17 games

Steele (12-3, 2.65 ERA) makes his 21st start. He has a 1.13 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 8.2 K/9 through 115 2/3 IP.

  • Last start: Win, 6 IP, 4 ER, 9 H, 0 BB, 6 K in a 20-9 home victory against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday
  • 2023 home stats: 8-2, 2.57 ERA (66 2/3 IP, 19 ER) in 12 games
  • Career vs. Braves: 1-0, 3.00 ERA (6 IP, 2 ER) in 2 games

Braves at Cubs nickname odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Braves -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Cubs +102 (bet $100 to win $102)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Braves -1.5 (+138) | Cubs +1.5 (-166)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -106 | U: -114)

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Braves at Cubs nickname picks and predictions

Prediction

Braves 4, Cubs 3

Moneyline

The Cubs have won their last 5 series, but this Braves team is tough to beat. They rank 1st in slugging percentage (.499) and home runs per game (1.95). And they rank 2nd in batting average (.270) and RBIs a game (5.5).

And as a home underdog the Cubs are 10-12 while the Braves as a road favorite are 26-15.

BET BRAVES -120.

Run line/Against the spread

Despite Atlanta’s stellar record they only cover roughly half of their games (51.9%). And as an away favorite they are 20-21 ATS.

On top of that, the Cubs are 1 of 3 teams with a winning ATS record at home (31-28). It’s best to PASS and stick with the moneyline.

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Over/Under

Both these teams this season like the Over. They are top 5 in Over percentage (Cubs 54.7%, Braves 54.3%). That being said, Steele is the Cubs’ best pitcher, and he has allowed more than 3 runs just once in his last 9 starts.

While the Braves’ Morton is not nearly as dominant as his counterpart, his games have gone Under recently. Six of his past 7 starts ended below the Over/Under total and I see it happening again.

LEAN UNDER 8.5 (-114).

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Atlanta Braves at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Atlanta Braves at Chicago Cubs Game 3 odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Atlanta Braves (6-9) wrap up their three-game set with the host Chicago Cubs (6-8) in the rubber match Sunday at Wrigley Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:08 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Braves vs. Cubs odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: 1-1.

RHP Bryse Wilson makes his 2021 debut for the Braves Sunday. A majority of Wilson’s work since he was called up to the Show in 2018 has been as a reliever.

For his career, Wilson is 3-1 with a 5.91 ERA, 1.81 WHIP, 5.3 BB/9 and 7.8 K/9 in 8 bullpen appearances and 7 starts.

In his only career starts vs. the Cubs, Wilson got a no-decision on 4 1/3 IP with 4 ER, 6 H, 1 BB and 6 K’s in Atlanta’s 9-7 loss back in June 2019.

RHP Kyle Hendricks gets the nod for the Cubs. Hendricks is 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 7.3 K/9 in 2 starts this year.

Hendricks took a no-decision in his last outing against the Milwaukee Brewers April 7. He pitched six scoreless innings with 4 H, 1 BB and 6 K’s in Chicago’s 4-2 loss.

In his four career starts vs. the Braves, Hendricks is 1-1 with a 2.91 ERA (21 2/3 IP, 7 ER), 26 H, 8 BB’s and 21 K’s.

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Braves at Cubs odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:50 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Braves +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Cubs -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Braves +1.5 (-160) | Cubs -1.5 (+135)
  • Over/Under: 8.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

Prediction

Braves 5, Cubs 3

Money line (ML)

While the public action is split between these teams, the “sharp” side of the market is hammering the BRAVES (+115), which has steamed this line down from Chicago laying -140 on the opener.

Also, current Braves batters have hit well vs. Hendricks, they are slashing .292/.350/.478 with 4 home runs and 14 RBIs in 113 at-bats.

Technically, seven of these at-bats are against Braves pitches and fourth-year phenom OF Ronald Acuña Jr. has went yard in one of his three plate appearances vs. Hendricks.

In fact, this Atlanta lineup is way more dangerous now than in Hendricks’ first three starts vs. the Braves. Hendrick’s last start against Atlanta was in 2019 and he allowed 10 hits and seven runs (two earned) including two home runs.

BET BRAVES (+115) for 1 unit.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

PASS on the run line since the Braves +1.5 (-160) is a little out of my price range and Chicago enters the game with an obvious edge in the starting pitching match-up.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS with a lean to the Over 8.5 (-120) because the “sharp” side of the market is betting the Over, I envision Atlanta’s lineup getting good wood on Hendricks’ stuff and the Braves are 7-1-1 O/U in their last nine games.

However, my hesitation to actually wager on the Over is because Hendricks is notoriously tough at Wrigley Field and the Under has cashed in Hendricks’ last four starts with 10 or more days of rest.

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