Tag: Chicago Cubs odds picks prediction spread over/under betting line

Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Cubs (37-38) and the St. Louis Cardinals (31-45) will conclude their 2-game series at London Stadium on Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Cardinals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 2-2

The Cubs beat the Cardinals 9-1 on Saturday, with OF Ian Happ supplying 2 HRs. Chicago extended its winning streak to 4 games on Saturday and it has won 9 of its last 10 contests. The Cubs are 3 games behind the 1st-place Cincinnati Reds in the NL Central.

It was another rough outing for RHP Adam Wainwright on Saturday. He allowed 7 ER on 11 H with 1 BB and 0 K in 3 IP. St. Louis has gone 4-6 in its last 10 games and remains at the bottom of the NL Central.

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Cubs vs. Cardinals projected starters

RHP Marcus Stroman vs. LHP Matthew Liberatore

Stroman (9-4, 2.28 ERA) makes his 17th start. He has a 1.02 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 7.6 K/9 in 98 2/3 innings.

  • Has been credited with a win in 7 straight starts
  • May 8 vs. Cardinals: 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1BB, 6 K and the loss in a 3-1 St. Louis win

Liberatore (1-2, 6.12 ERA) makes his 6th start. He has a 1.56 WHIP, 4.3 BB/9 and 6.5 K/9 in 25 innings.

  • Has walked 2 or more batters in all 5 starts
  • Last win was May 17 vs. Milwaukee Brewers

Cubs vs. Cardinals odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Cubs -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Cardinals +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (-105) | Cardinals +1.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 11.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Cubs vs. Cardinals picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 7, Cardinals 3

Moneyline

Stroman has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, so I’ll back the CUBS (-140) in Sunday’s divisional matchup. Chicago is also one of the hottest teams in baseball, while St. Louis has been largely disappointing.

Run line/Against the spread

CUBS -1.5 (-105) is an enticing bet with how these teams have performed recently. Chicago is also tied for the 7th-best ISO (.179), the 5th-best wOBA (.339), and the 6th-best wRC+ against left-handed pitching this season.

The Cubs have also outscored their opponents 29-4 amid their current 4-game winning streak.

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Over/Under

UNDER 11.5 (-120) is the lean in this game despite London Stadium being viewed as a hitter-friendly park. Stroman has been lights out this season, and even with Wainwright giving up 7 runs himself on Saturday, there were still fewer than 12 runs scored.

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Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Cubs (33-38) begin a 3-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates (34-36) on Monday at PNC Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Pirates odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Cubs lead 3-0

The Cubs lost 6-3 to the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, which ended a 5-game winning streak. Chicago is only 4 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers for the lead in the NL Central.

The Pirates were defeated by the Brewers 5-2 on Sunday, extending their losing streak to 6 games. After beginning last week in 1st place in the NL Central, Pittsburgh is now in 3rd place, 2 1/2 games behind Milwaukee.

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Cubs at Pirates projected starters

LHP Drew Smyly vs. RHP Osvaldo Bido

Smyly (6-4, 3.59 ERA) makes his 15th start. He has a 1.20 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 7.5 K/9 in 77 2/3 innings.

  • Has allowed 3 ER or more in 3 of his last 4 starts
  • June 14 vs. Pirates: Win, 6 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

Bido (0-0, 2.25 ERA) makes his 2nd career start, both against the Cubs. He has a 1.75 WHIP, 6.8 BB/9 and 13.5 K/9 in 4 innings.

  • June 14 vs. Cubs: 4 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
  • Was 3-4 with a 4.55 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 4.2 BB/9, and 9.1 K/9 in 10 starts in Triple-A before being called up

Cubs at Pirates odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:21 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Cubs -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Pirates +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (+135) | Pirates +1.5 (-160)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Cubs at Pirates picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 6, Pirates 4

Moneyline

Even though Smyly has sputtered in recent starts, I’ll back the CUBS (-125) on the road in Monday’s NL Central matchup. Chicago is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings, including 4 consecutive wins against Pittsburgh.

Run line/Against the spread

CUBS -1.5 (+135) has solid value with how these teams have performed lately. The Cubs have defeated the Pirates by at least 4 runs in each of the 1st 3 meetings this season, and Bido is only making his 2nd career start.

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Over/Under

LEAN OVER 9 (-105).

The Cubs recently got OF Cody Bellinger back in the lineup and OF Mike Tauchman has provided solid production in recent games. Smyly surrendered 5 ER to the Pirates on June 14 and Pittsburgh is tied for the 9th-best wRC+ (111) against left-handed pitching in June.

The Over is also 4-0 in the last 4 meetings overall.

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Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

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

The Chicago Cubs (19-22) play the 2nd game of a 3-game series against the Houston Astros (22-19) on Tuesday at Minute Maid Park. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET (TBS). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Astros lead 1-0

The Cubs lost 6-4 to the Astros Monday despite putting up 4 runs on LHP Framber Valdez. Chicago enters on a 3-game losing skid and has gone 4-6 in its last 10 contests.

The Astros got multi-RBI performances from 3B Alex Bregman and 1B Jose Abreu in Monday’s victory. Houston has won 5 of its last 6 games and is only 3 games behind the Texas Rangers for 1st place in the AL West.

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Cubs at Astros projected starters

LHP Justin Steele vs. RHP Cristian Javier

Steele (6-0, 1.82 ERA) makes his 9th start. He has a 1.03 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 7.1 K/9 through 49 1/3 IP.

  • Has recorded a quality start in 7 of his first 8 starts
  • Has allowed 6-plus hits in 3 straight starts and he surrendered 3 ER in his last start against the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday

Javier (3-1, 3.47 ERA) makes his 9th start. He has a 1.01 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 10.4 K/9 through 46 2/3 IP.

  • Has given up at least 1 home run in 5 of his last 6 starts
  • Has struck out 6-plus batters in 4 straight turns

Cubs at Astros odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Cubs +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Astros -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs +1.5 (-145) | Astros -1.5 (+120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Cubs at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 5, Cubs 3

Moneyline

While I believe the Astros (-165) are going to come away with the win on Tuesday, taking them at the current odds isn’t advised. Unless you can get them at -160 or better, then I’ll PASS on the moneyline in this contest.

Run line/Against the spread

The ASTROS -1.5 (+120) are a solid value despite Steele having a fantastic start to the season for the Cubs. Javier has looked better in recent starts and Chicago has struggled recently to keep games close.

The Cubs have been outscored 47-17 in their last 6 losses.

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Over/Under

LEAN OVER 7.5 (-115).

Even with 2 pitchers who have been formidable to begin the season, I’ll side with the Over in this game. The Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings between these sides in Houston and the last 5 meetings overall.

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Chicago Cubs at Minnesota Twins odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Chicago Cubs at Minnesota Twins odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Cubs (18-19) will start a 3-game series against the Minnesota Twins (21-17) on Friday at Target Field. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET (Apple TV+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Twins odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting since the 2021 season (tied 2-2)

The Cubs defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 10-4 on Wednesday to snap a 3-game losing streak. Chicago has gone 4-6 in its last 10 contests.

The Twins beat the San Diego Padres 5-3 on Wednesday, giving them 2 straight wins. Minnesota is 5-5 in its last 10 games.

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Cubs at Twins projected starters

LHP Drew Smyly vs. RHP Sonny Gray

Smyly (3-1, 3.05 ERA) makes his 8th start. He has a 0.99 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 8.0 K/9 in 38 1/3 innings.

  • Has given up fewer than 2 ER in 6 of 7 starts
  • Is 2-1 with a 3.03 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, and 7.4 K/9 in 6 career starts (16 total appearances) against the Twins

Gray (4-0, 1.35 ERA) makes his 8th start. He has a 1.10 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 10.6 K/9 in 40 innings.

  • His last start on May 6 vs. the Cleveland Guardians was his 1st start this season where he allowed more than 1 ER
  • Is 4-3 with a 3.11 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 11.5 K/9 in 10 career starts against the Cubs

Cubs at Twins odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:27 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Cubs +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Twins -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs +1.5 (-160) | Twins -1.5 (+135)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Cubs at Twins picks and predictions

Prediction

Twins 4, Cubs 2

Moneyline

Even though their money line is a bit juiced right now, I’ll take the TWINS (-155) with Gray on the mound. Minnesota is 12-7 at home this season compared to Chicago posting a 7-8 record on the road.

Run line/Against the spread

TWINS -1.5 (+135) has solid value with Gray pitching for Minnesota. Smyly has also been great this season, but I trust the Twins to put up enough runs to cover the run line at home.

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Over/Under

UNDER 7.5 (-105) is the pick in this game with both teams rolling out pitchers who have been fantastic to start the season. The Cubs are 5-0 to the Under in their last 5 road games and the Twins are 6-0 to the Under in their last 6 games overall.

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Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Cubs (15-14) play the 3rd game of a 4-game series against the Washington Nationals (11-18) on Wednesday at Nationals Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Nationals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 1-1

The Cubs lost 4-1 to the Nationals Tuesday. Chicago has now lost 4 of its last 5 games and has just 3 wins in its last 10 outings.

Nationals RHP Trevor Williams tossed 5 1/3 scoreless innings Tuesday and SS CJ Abrams went 3-for-3 with an RBI. Washington held steady with a 5-5 record in its last 10 contests with the victory.

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Cubs at Nationals projected starters

RHP Marcus Stroman vs. RHP Jake Irvin

Stroman (2-2, 2.29 ERA) makes his 7th start. He has a 1.05 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 8.4 K/9 through 35 1/3 IP.

  • Has recorded at least 6 IP in 5 of his 6 starts
  • Is 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 9.5 K/9 in 7 career starts against the Nationals

Irvin will make his major league debut on Wednesday. He has a 2-2 record with a 5.64 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 4.4 BB/9 and 8.1 K/9 through 22 1/3 IP in Triple-A this season.

  • Has allowed multiple ER in 4 straight starts in Triple-A
  • Hasn’t registered more than 5 1/3 IP in a start this season, so he could be on a pitch count in his debut

Cubs at Nationals odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:41 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Cubs -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Nationals +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (-120) | Nationals +1.5 (+100)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Cubs at Nationals picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 6, Nationals 2

Moneyline

AVOID.

The Cubs (-200) should be able to secure the victory on Wednesday against a pitcher making his major league debut, but taking them straight up isn’t advised at the current odds.

Run line/Against the spread

BET CUBS -1.5 (-120).

The Cubs have the pitching advantage on Wednesday with Stroman having a formidable start to the season across 6 turns. Irvin will make his debut in the majors and he was struggling in Triple-A before being called up, so Chicago shouldn’t have issues producing enough runs to cover the run line.

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Over/Under

UNDER 8.5 (-115) is the lean in this contest with Stroman likely having success against a mediocre lineup in the Nationals. The Under is 3-0 in the last 3 meetings overall and 4-2 in the last 6 meetings.

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Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Cubs (14-13) will begin a 4-game series against the Washington Nationals (10-17) on Monday at Nationals Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Nationals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Cubs went 4-2 vs. Nationals in 2022

The Cubs lost 4-3 to the Miami Marlins on Sunday. It was their 3rd straight loss and 7th in the last 10 games.

The Nationals cruised to a 7-2 victory Sunday over the NL Central-leading Pittsburgh Pirates. Washington ended a 3-game losing streak and evened its record at 5-5 in its last 10 contests.

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Cubs at Nationals projected starters

LHP Drew Smyly vs. LHP MacKenzie Gore

Smyly (2-1, 3.21 ERA) makes his 6th start. He has a 0.93 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 8.7 K/9 in 28 IP.

  • Allowed 6 ER on 9 H with 2 BB and 3 K in 4 2/3 IP in a loss to the Cincinnati Reds in his season debut on April 3
  • In his last 4 starts combined, he’s given up 4 ER on 11 H with 4 BB and 24 K in 23 1/3 IP

Gore (3-1, 3.00 ERA) makes his 6th start. He has a 1.30 WHIP, 5.3 BB/9 and 11.7 K/9 in 27 IP.

  • Has notched 6 or more K’s in each of his 5 starts
  • Walks have been an issue as he’s registered 4-plus walks in 3 of his  5 starts

Cubs at Nationals odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:08 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Cubs -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Nationals +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (+115) | Nationals +1.5 (-140)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Cubs at Nationals picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 4, Nationals 3

Moneyline

Both teams have solid southpaws on the mound on Monday, but I’ll back the CUBS (-140) on the road. Chicago is 4-0 in the last 4 starts that Smyly has made against NL East opponents and Washington is 3-11 at home this season.

Run line/Against the spread

NATIONALS +1.5 (-140) is the pick even though I have the Cubs winning. Gore has pitched well for Washington to begin the season as he’s been credited with 3 of the team’s 10 wins thus far.

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Over/Under

UNDER 8.5 (-105) is how I’d wager on the total with Smyly and Gore on the bump. The Under is 7-0 for the Cubs in Smyly’s last 7 starts against a team with a losing record. Also, the Under is 4-0 in Gore’s last 4 starts against a team with a winning record.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago Cubs odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Los Angeles Dodgers (9-10) will begin a 4-game series against the Chicago Cubs (11-6) on Thursday at Wrigley Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Dodgers vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Cubs lead 2-1

The Dodgers lost 5-3 to the New York Mets on Wednesday, losing the 3-game series 2-1. Los Angeles has lost 2 consecutive series and 4 of its last 6 games.

On Wednesday, the Cubs defeated the Oakland Athletics 12-2 to sweep the 3-game series. Chicago has won 4 straight games and 4 consecutive series.

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Dodgers at Cubs projected starters

RHP Michael Grove vs. RHP Jameson Taillon

Grove (0-1, 9.00 ERA) makes his 4th start. He has a 1.62 WHIP, 3.5 BB/9 and 9.7 K/9 in 13 IP.

  • First 2 starts: 7 1/3 IP, 12 ER, 14 H, 3 BB, 8 K
  • Last start: 5 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 6 K in 2-1 win Saturday vs. Cubs

Taillon (0-2, 4.50 ERA) makes his 4th start. He has a 1.36 WHIP, 2.6 BB/9 and 10.3 K/9 in 14 IP.

  • First 2 starts: 9 IP,  7 ER, 13 H, 2 BB, 9 K
  • Last start: 5 IP,  0 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 7 K in 2-1 loss Saturday vs. Dodgers

Dodgers 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 7:54 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Dodgers +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Cubs -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Dodgers +1.5 (-185) | Cubs -1.5 (+150)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 10.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Dodgers at Cubs picks and predictions

Prediction

Dodgers 6, Cubs 4

Moneyline

Even though they’ve struggled recently, I’ll back the DODGERS (+100) at plus odds on the road. Los Angeles is 11-2 in the last 13 meetings.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

While the Dodgers should be able to cover the spread, taking them at the current odds (-185) isn’t advised.

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Over/Under

UNDER 10.5 (-105) is the lean in this game with it being such a high total. There have been fewer than 10 runs scored in 9 of the last 10 meetings. This season’s 3-games between the teams have totaled 10, 3 and 5 runs.

The Dodgers are 4-1 to the Under in their last 5 games overall and the Cubs are 3-2 to the Under in their last 5.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati Reds odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati Reds odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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Chicago Cubs at San Francisco Giants odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Chicago Cubs at San Francisco Giants odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Chicago Cubs (40-57) and San Francisco Giants (48-50) meet Thursday for the opener of a 4-game series. First pitch from Oracle Park in San Francisco is scheduled for 9:45 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Cubs vs. Giants odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting of the season. Giants won the season series 6-1 in 2021.

The Cubs have won 6 straight games, outscoring the opposition 35-13. The win streak comes after a 9-game skid from July 7-16.

The Giants enter on a 7-game slide, all on the road, last winning July 17 at home against the Milwaukee Brewers. San Francisco has won 5 of its last 6 at Oracle Park.

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Cubs at Giants projected starters

LHP Justin Steele vs. LHP Alex Wood

Steele (4-6, 4.02 ERA) makes his 19th start. He has a 1.42 WHIP, 4.2 BB/9 and 8.3 K/9 through 87 1/3 IP.

  • Is just 1-2 with a 5.23 ERA and .257 opponent batting average with 39 K across 32 2/3 IP over 7 road outings.
  • Has a solid 1-1 record with a 2.55 ERA and .188 opponent BA across 3 starts in July, his lowest marks in either of those categories in any month this season.

Wood (6-8, 4.21 ERA) makes his 20th start. He has a 1.26 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 9.2 K/9 through 94 IP.

  • Is 2-3 with a 3.95 ERA and 40 K across 41 IP over 8 home starts.
  • Has allowed just 3 HR at home vs. 7 HR through 53 IP across 11 road outings.

Cubs at Giants odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:28 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Cubs +122 (bet $100 to win $122) | Giants -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs +1.5 (-175) | Giants -1.5 (+140)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -125 | U: +100)

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Cubs at Giants picks and predictions

Prediction

Giants 6, Cubs 4

Money line

The GIANTS -1.5 (+140) are a bit of a risky play based on the fact they’re on a major losing skid while the Cubs have been hot. However, San Francisco is not only 5-1 across its last 6 home games, but it outscored the opposition 38-17 during that span.

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Run line/Against the spread

The GIANTS -1.5 (+140) are the lean here given the juicy payout. There is definitely some risk considering the opposing streaks these two teams have been on of late, but San Francisco should get to Steele on the road in its return home from a road trip.

Over/Under

The OVER 7.5 (-125) is the lean, as the wind will be blowing out to the left-center field power alley. With a pair of left-handed hurlers on the bump, right-handed hitters have to be licking their collective chops.

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Tampa Bay Rays at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Tampa Bay Rays at Chicago Cubs odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Tampa Bay Rays (5-5) start a 3-game interleague set with the Chicago Cubs (5-4) Monday at Wrigley Field with the first pitch scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rays vs. Cubs odds with MLB picks and predictions.

It’s the first meeting between the teams since the 2017 season and only the 14th time they’ve played. The Rays lead the series 8-5

Tampa snapped a 4-game losing skid and prevented a 3-game series sweep by beating the White Sox 9-3 Sunday in Chicago.

The Cubs split their 4-game road set at the Colorado Rockies by winning 6-4 Sunday. Chicago outscored Colorado 22-21 in the series.

Rays at Cubs: Projected starters

LHP Shane McClanahan vs. RHP Kyle Hendricks 

McClanahan (0-1, 3.00 ERA) took the loss Wednesday against the Oakland Athletics, going 4 2/3 IP, allowing 3 ER on 2 H and 3 BB with 8 K. He was the Rays’ Opening Day starter, pitching 4 1/3 scoreless innings in a no-decision with 7 K and 2 BB in Tampa’s 2-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles.

  • Career road splits: 3-3 with a 3.36 ERA (59 IP, 22 ER), 1.20 WHIP and 9.3 K/9 in 12 starts.

Hendricks (0-1, 7.00) was shelled in his previous outing — a 6-2 loss at the Pittsburgh Pirates Wednesday — surrendering 6 ER on 7 H and 4 BB with 4 K in 3 2/3 IP. Hendricks earned a no-decision in Chicago’s 5-4 Opening Day victory versus the Milwaukee Brewers.

  • Career home splits: 42-25 with a 2.93 ERA (635 2/3 IP, 207 ER), 1.08 WHIP and 7.6 K/9 in 104 starts and 1 relief appearance.

Rays at Cubs odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:07 p.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Rays -155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Cubs +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays -1.5 (+110) | Cubs +1.5 (-135)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: +102 | U: -122)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Rays at Cubs prediction and picks

Prediction

Rays 5, Cubs 3

Money line

BET the RAYS (-155) because this is a fair price for a Tampa team that has an edge in the 3 most important phases of baseball (starting and relief pitching and hitting) and the Rays have been much better in interleague play record than the Cubs (+125).

McClanahan is at the top of a Tampa rotation that should be a factor come October whereas Hendricks is more of a middle-of-the-rotation starter at this point in his career and typically gets off to a slow start.

April is Hendricks’ worst month by ERA, FIP, hard-hit rate, WHIP and home runs allowed per 9 innings, according to FanGraphs.

Since the start of last season, the Rays are 15-5 versus NL teams and the Cubs are 6-14 against AL teams. In fact, Tampa has the best winning percentage in interleague play since the beginning of 2019 at 44-22.

BET the RAYS (-155).

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Run line/Against the spread

PASS because the Rays -1.5 (+110) just isn’t a steep enough payout and we are spending for a costly Tampa ML.

Also, Chicago’s lineup has hit really well to start the season so the Cubs +1.5 (-135) could sneak in the backdoor despite Tampa’s strong relief pitching.

Over/Under

Slight LEAN to the UNDER 8.5 (-122), if at all, because the Rays have gone Under the total in 18 of McClanahan’s 25 career starts and Hendricks’ home ERA is nearly a full run lower than his road ERA over his career.

However, it’s only a LEAN to the UNDER 8.5 (-122) because most of the market is on the Under and I hate following the herd in sports betting and the weather forecast is predicting 17 mph winds blowing out to right-center field.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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