The Cincinnati Reds (32-33) and Chicago Cubs (31-34) wrap up a 4-game series Sunday at Great American Ball Park. First pitch is set for 1:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Reds odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Reds lead 5-1
The Reds are going for a 4-game sweep after taking the opener 8-4, the second game 3-2 and Saturday’s contest 4-3. Cincinnati was a favorite in all 3 — at -126 Thursday, -137 Friday and -123 Sunday. The last 2 games cashed Under (9) tickets following an Over (9.5) in the opener.
Cincinnati has rolled off 7 straight wins, jumping into 2nd in the NL Central after starting the week in last place. Cincy is 5-2 against the spread (ATS) in the win streak and is 36-29 ATS on the season, according to Teamrankings.com.
The Cubs have lost 3 in a row, are 3-7 in their last 10 games and have lost 4 straight to the Reds going back to last weekend’s series at Wrigley Field. They are 31-34 ATS on the season.
Cubs at Reds projected starters
LHP Shota Imanaga vs. RHP Frankie Montas
Imanaga (5-1, 1.88 ERA) makes his 12th start. He has a 1.04 WHIP, 1.4 BB/9 and 9.4 K/9 through 62 1/3 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 4 1/3 IP, 1 ER (5 R), 7 H, 0 BB, 6 K in 7-6 home win over Chicago White Sox Tuesday
- 2024 road splits: 3-1, 2.57 ERA (28 IP, 8 ER), 1.29 WHIP, 3 HR, 8.7 K/9 in 5 starts
- First year in majors; has never faced Reds
Montas (3-4, 4.00 ERA) makes his 12th start. He has a 1.28 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 7.0 K/9 through 54 innings.
- Last start: Win, 7 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 2 BB, 9 K in 4-1 win at Colorado Rockies Tuesday
- 2024 home splits: 1-3, 3.34 ERA (29 2/3 IP, 11 ER), 1.18 WHIP, 1 HR, 7.0 K/9 in 6 starts
- Never faced Cubs before
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Cubs at Reds odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:15 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Cubs -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Reds +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (+116) | Reds +1.5 (-140)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -124 | U: +102)
Cubs at Reds picks and predictions
Prediction
Cubs 5, Reds 4
Moneyline
BET CUBS (-130).
The Reds have lost 5 of Montas’ last 6 starts, but they did win his last outing. Overall, Cincinnati is just 4-7 in his starts this season. Meanwhile, Imanaga has been an extremely strong option for the Cubs, who are 9-2 in his 11 starts this season.
This prediction is based on the Cubs starting the better pitcher. Despite the Reds’ 7-game win streak, they are still just 15-16 following a win.
BACK CUBS (-130).
Run line/Against the spread
PASS.
The Cubs on the moneyline are the safer option here. They have some value as run-line favorites (-1.5, +116), but considering how well the Reds are playing, taking the Cubs to just win and not cover is the smarter option.
Over/Under
BET OVER 8.5 (-124).
The Reds are 3-2 O/U in Montas’ last 5 starts and are 3-3 O/U in their last 6 games.
The Cubs are 3-2 O/U in their last 5 games and are 8-2-1 O/U in their last 11. Chicago has gone Over in Imanaga’s last 2 starts as well, giving up a combined 16 runs while scoring 13 in those 2.
Given those recent pitching trends, BET OVER 8.5 (-124).
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