The Chicago Cubs (81-62) visit the Atlanta Braves (64-79) Monday for the opener of a 3-game series. First pitch from Truist Park is set for 7:15 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Cubs vs. Braves odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Cubs lead 2-1

The Cubs finished a 6-game homestand Sunday with a disapponting 6-3 loss to the Washington Nationals. RP Daniel Palencia blew a 3-1 lead and gave up 5 runs in the top of the ninth inning without recording an out as the Cubs dropped 2 of 3 games to the lowly Nationals. Chicago is 7 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, but holds the top Wild Card position. Chicago is the fourth-best team in the majors on the road (37-34).

After winning back-to-back games, the Braves have been absolutely destroyed in their last 2 home games, losing 18-2 Sunday to the Seattle Mariners after a 10-2 drubbing Saturday. Atlanta has struggled at home this year, having the eighth-worst record at 34-35.

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Cubs at Braves projected starters

LHP Shota Imanaga vs. RHP Spencer Strider

Imanaga (9-6, 3.15 ERA) makes his 22nd start. He has a 0.93 WHIP, 1.7 BB/9 and 7.1 K/9 through 123 innings.

Last start: Win, 6 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 2 K in 4-3 home win vs. Braves Tuesday2025 road stats: 5-4, 3.18 ERA (62 1/3 IP, 22 ER), 0.98 WHIP, 51 H, 10 BB, 52 K in 11 startsCareer vs. Braves: 1-0, 2.45 ERA (11 IP, 3 ER), 1.46 WHIP, 8.2 K/9 in 2 starts

Strider (5-12, 4.97 ERA) makes his 20th start. He has a 1.39 WHIP, 3.6 BB/9 and 9.4 K/9 through 101 1/3 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 5 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 3 BB, 1 K in 7-6 road loss vs. Cubs Monday2025 home stats: 3-6, 4.81 ERA (48 2/3 IP, 26 ER), 1.46 WHIP, 55 H, 16 BB, 58 K in 9 startsMonday start was his first against the Cubs in his 5-year careerCubs at Braves odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:06 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Cubs -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Braves +115 (bet $100 to win $115)Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (+120) | Braves +1.5 (-145)Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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Cubs at Braves picks and predictionsPrediction

Cubs 6, Braves 2

BET CUBS (-135).

The Cubs are still in the hunt for a division title and should play with a different tenacity. They are 6-5 in road games which Imanaga has started and should have a significant edge with him on the mound. Chicago has scored at least 4 runs in 6 of its last 9 contests.

The Braves, who are just 2-4 over their last 6 home games, have allowed 53 runs over their last 2 home series. They have lost 5 straight games which Strider has started. Considering those trends, take CUBS (-135).

PASS.

There’s no playable run-line value.

The Cubs (+120) are a solid option but are just a little too risky considering their 2 wins against Atlanta this season came by just 1 run. The Braves (-145) aren’t worth taking given the starting pitching difference.

BET UNDER 8.5 (+100).

The Cubs have gone Under in Imanaga’s last 6 starts. They are 2-3 O/U in their last 5 games as well, scoring 3 or fewer runs in 3 of their last 4 contests. The Braves have gone Under in 6 of their last 9 games. Tey have scored 3 or fewer runs in 5 of theirlast 6 losses. Back UNDER 8.5 (+100).

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