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The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs are both expected to be playing in the postseason, making this late-June series between the two squads a potential playoff preview. Both teams are within striking distance of their respective division leads, so this series will surely be interesting. It's time to continue our MLB odds series and make a Cubs-Dodgers prediction and pick.
Let's see how the sportsbooks have set the lines for tonight's game.
MLB Odds: Cubs-Dodgers Odds
Chicago Cubs +1.5 (+108)
Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (-128)
Over 8 1/2 runs (-121)
Under 8 1/2 runs (+101)
Why The Cubs Could Cover The Spread
The Cubs have been a bit up and down as of late, but their starter should help right the ship. Starting pitcher Zach Davies has been solid this season, if unspectacular. Despite his rough outing last time on the mound, there is reason to believe in Davies.
Throughout his entire career, Davies has been fantastic against the Dodgers. Only three hitters in the Los Angeles lineup tonight have better than a .200 average against the right-hander. To make life a little easier, there's a possibility that former MVP Mookie Betts doesn't take the field for Los Angeles for the second night in a row.
The Dodgers are also worse hitters at home than on the road, averaging fewer hits, walks, and more strikeouts when playing in Dodger Stadium.
Unfortunately for the Cubs, they have to face the red-hot Walker Buehler. Luckily, the Chicago hitters have hit Buehler surprisingly well. Of the six Cubs who have faced the Dodgers righty before, four of them sport an average above .300. Buehler may be a fantastic pitcher, but it seems that some of the Cubs see his pitches well.
Why The Dodgers Could Cover The Spread
The Dodger bats have been a little cold lately, but starting pitcher Walker Buehler will help make up for that. Buehler has been absolutely lethal lately, winning six of his last seven starts while keeping an ERA of 1.36 as well as an outstanding WHIP of .91. He's been as close to untouchable as anyone can get.
The Cubs are also a very shaky offensive team on the road. They average fewer runs, fewer walks, and more strikeouts when playing away from home. In his last start against Chicago, Buehler allowed two runs over six innings. Expect a better performance than that against the Cubs.
Although Zach Davies seems to have the Dodgers' number, there are some good signs for the Los Angeles offense. The opposing pitcher has struggled with his control as of late, walking 15 batters while only striking out 23. He's also coming off of a start where he allowed 8 runs.
Final Cubs-Dodgers Prediction & Pick
In what should turn out to be a good series, the Dodgers have the clear advantage in game one. With Buehler pitching his best baseball of the year as of late and Davies pitching well against the Dodgers, it's hard to see many runs being scored. The Chicago bullpen will certainly help keep this a low-scoring affair against a struggling Dodgers offense, and Buehler should do the same against a Cubs lineup looking to figure things out.
FINAL PICK: Under 8 1/2 runs (+101)
