The Chicago Cubs will finish their three-game series with the New York Mets on Thursday afternoon in Queens. We're here to share our MLB odds series, make a Cubs-Mets prediction, and pick while showing you how to watch.

The Cubs are at the top of the standings, taking charge of the National League Central. Now, they are hoping to end the series on a high note before heading off for a showdown with the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Mets are in the middle of the pack and struggling to stay afloat. Therefore, they will need to win some more games to help themselves gain ground in the standings.

Ben Brown is likely to get the start in the one. He is 0-1 with a 4.30 ERA. Unfortunately, he had a rough start against the Boston Red Sox, going 3 2/3 innings while allowing three earned runs and seven hits while striking out four in a loss.

Adrian Houser will likely start for the Mets in this finale. He is not having a good season, as he has a record of 0-3 and an 8.37 ERA. Sadly, he struggled again in his last outing, allowing six earned runs on nine hits while striking out two and walking two in a loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Here are the MLB Odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

MLB Odds: Cubs-Mets Odds

Chicago Cubs: -1.5 (+164)

Moneyline: +106

New York Mets: -1.5 (+200)

Moneyline: -124

Over: 8.5 (+100)

Under: 8.5 (-122)

How to Watch Cubs vs. Mets

Time: 1:10 PM ET/10:10 AM PT

TV: Sportsnet New York

Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)

Why The Cubs Will Cover The Spread/Win

The Cubs have thrived so far early this season, yet there is so much they can work on. The Cubs entered Wednesday ranking 18th in batting average, 17th in home runs, and 15th in slugging percentage. Additionally, Chicago is 13th in on-base percentage and ninth on runs. The Cubs are finding ways to score, yet there is a lot of inconsistency. All of this starts at the top of the lineup.

Nico Hoerner came into Wednesday's action batting .261 with seven RBIs and 18 runs. Regrettably, he came into that game mired in a 1 for 16 slump. Hoerner is still looking for his first home run.

Ian Happ has also struggled while hitting behind Hoerner. So far, he is hitting .216 with one home run, 12 RBIs, and 16 runs. The Cubs also would like to see more from Christopher Morel. Currently, he is batting .215 with four home runs, 14 RBIs, and 17 runs. Dansby Swanson has also struggled, clipping .240 with three home runs, 11 RBIs, and 19 runs.

The pitching staff is not making things easy for the Cubs. Significantly, they ranked 19th in ERA and 18th in walks per nine innings. They need better production.

The Cubs will cover the spread if their lineup can generate some runs and take an early lead. Then, they need Brown to pitch well and for the bullpen to back him up.

Why The Mets Will Cover The Spread/Win

The Mets are struggling, finding themselves stuck in mediocrity. Ultimately, their hitting has not done them any favors. The Mets are 17th in batting average, 13th in on-base percentage, 18th in runs, 12th in home runs, and 17th in slugging percentage. Thus, their players have shown some glimmers of hope but have struggled to hit the ball consistently.

Brandon Nimmo has not done well at the top of the lineup, hitting .208 with three home runs, 18 RBIs, and 15 runs. Therefore, he needs to find his swing and generate more scoring chances. Francisco Lindor is also having a horrible season. Currently, he is hitting .197 with five home runs, 11 RBIs, and 16 runs.

But the Mets are also getting inconsistent production from Pete Alonso. At the moment, he is batting .234 with eight home runs, 15 RBIs, and 20 runs. The Mets may get a boost from J.D. Martinez. Substantially, he has contributed to the team so far, batting .294 with one RBI and one run through his first five games with the team. Jeff McNeil is hitting just .247 with one home run, seven RBIs, and 10 runs for the Mets.

But the Mets have pitched well. Amazingly, they are eighth in team ERA. Yet, the Mets also walk too many people. as they rank 15th in walks per nine innings.

The Mets will cover the spread if their lineup can get things going. Then, they need a good outing from their starting pitcher.

Final Cubs-Mets Prediction & Pick

The Cubs have found gritty ways to win games this season despite inconsistent production. They started this series with a whimper, failing to score many runs in the first game. Therefore, they look to end the series on a high note. We do not expect a good pitching outing. Regardless, the Cubs always have one great game in every series they play. Look for the Cubs to utilize their chances and go into Queens and take this one while covering the spread.

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Final Cubs-Mets Prediction & Pick: Chicago Cubs: -1.5 (+164)