Dodgers at Cubs Predictions, Odds and Betting Picks
Jesse M. Cox Published 05/08/2026
The pitching matchup gives this game a clear betting angle. Shota Imanaga enters with a 3.67 ERA and 119 strikeouts, while Eric Lauer owns a 4.50 ERA and has allowed more hard contact throughout the season. Chicago also gets the benefit of playing at Wrigley Field, where warm weather and a light wind blowing out create favorable hitting conditions.
Both teams remain among the National League's top contenders, but the Cubs enter the series finale with the stronger starting pitching advantage. That edge makes Chicago the best side despite facing one of baseball's deepest lineups.
Dodgers vs Cubs Game Preview
Los Angeles enters at 69-44 despite dealing with several major injuries throughout its pitching staff. Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Brusdar Graterol, Blake Treinen, and Will Smith are all on the injured list, forcing the Dodgers to rely heavily on their remaining rotation depth and bullpen.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Chicago Cubs - FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS 🔥 August 4, 2026 MLB Season
Chicago sits at 64-49 and continues to receive quality production from Shota Imanaga. The left-hander has posted a 3.67 ERA with 119 strikeouts, while the Cubs are still waiting for injured contributors Matt Shaw, Justin Steele, Ben Brown, Daniel Palencia, Cade Horton, and Porter Hodge to return.
The weather should favor offense with temperatures around 82 degrees, only a slight chance of rain, and a 7 mph wind blowing out at Wrigley Field. Even so, both clubs send experienced left-handers to the mound, making starting pitching the biggest storyline entering Wednesday afternoon.
Moneyline Pick
The Cubs moneyline is the strongest play. Imanaga has been the more reliable starter this season, posting a 3.67 ERA compared to Lauer's 4.50 ERA while striking out more than twice as many hitters with 119 punchouts. Chicago also benefits from home field and enters with a healthier starting rotation despite several injuries elsewhere on the roster.
The Dodgers remain dangerous because of their lineup, but missing multiple starting pitchers and key bullpen arms reduces their margin for error. Backing Imanaga at home provides the better value in this matchup.
Pick: Cubs ML (-121 at DraftKings).
Run Line Pick
The Cubs -1.5 offers strong plus-money value. Chicago has the edge on the mound, and Imanaga gives the Cubs a good chance to build an early lead. If the offense takes advantage of Lauer and the warm hitting conditions at Wrigley Field, Chicago has enough upside to win by multiple runs while returning an attractive plus-money payout.
The Dodgers are still missing several key arms, including Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Treinen, putting extra pressure on the bullpen if Lauer exits early. Chicago's lineup has enough depth to continue producing runs beyond the first few innings, making the run line an attractive option for bettors looking to capitalize on the Cubs' pitching advantage and home-field edge.
Pick: Cubs -1.5 (+153 at DraftKings).
Best Player Prop
- Shota Imanaga Over 5.5 Strikeouts (+ odds at DraftKings). Imanaga has recorded 119 strikeouts this season and consistently misses bats against aggressive lineups. Even against a talented Dodgers offense, his ability to generate swings and misses makes the strikeout over the strongest prop on the board.
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Game Total Pick
The Over 9.5 is the preferred total. The weather creates favorable hitting conditions with temperatures around 82 degrees and a 7 mph wind blowing out at Wrigley Field. Lauer enters with a 4.50 ERA, while both offenses feature enough power to capitalize on mistakes from either starter or the middle innings of each bullpen.
Imanaga is capable of limiting damage, but the Dodgers remain one of baseball's most productive lineups against left-handed pitching. Combined with the hitter-friendly forecast, this total has a strong chance of reaching double digits.
Pick: Over 9.5 (-108 at DraftKings).
Best Trades for Dodgers vs Cubs
Prediction markets see this matchup as one of the tighter games on Wednesday's MLB slate. Chicago holds only a slight edge in market probability, while traders also expect scoring opportunities early in the game.
- Game Winner, Cubs: YES at 54¢ on Polymarket. Traders continue backing Chicago behind Imanaga's pitching advantage and home field.
- Total Runs Over 9.5: NO at 54¢ on Polymarket. Although weather favors hitters, the market still gives a slight edge to the game staying under the listed total.
- Will There Be a Run in the First Inning?: YES at 55¢ on Polymarket. Both lineups feature dangerous hitters at the top of the order, and the warm afternoon conditions increase early scoring potential.
How to Watch Dodgers vs Cubs and Game Info
- Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
- Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
- First pitch: 2:20 p.m. ET
- TV: Marquee Sports Network, SportsNet LA, MLB Network.
- Dodgers starting pitcher: Eric Lauer (6-5, 4.50 ERA).
- Cubs starting pitcher: Shota Imanaga (7-9, 3.67 ERA).
- Weather forecast: 82°F, partly sunny, wind blowing out at 7 mph with a low chance of rain.
Final Takeaways
The biggest edge in this matchup starts with Shota Imanaga on the mound. Chicago owns the stronger starting pitcher, home field, and enters with enough offensive firepower to capitalize on favorable hitting conditions at Wrigley Field. The Cubs moneyline stands out as the best overall play, while the Over 9.5 also deserves consideration thanks to the weather and both lineups.
Check the latest odds and line movement for Dodgers vs. Cubs at betting.net before placing your bets. All odds as of 11:30 p.m. ET on August 4. Odds sourced from DraftKings.