The red-hot Chicago Cubs look to derail the San Francisco Giants‘ march to the National League West title when they meet in a key MLB matchup on Friday afternoon. The Giants (90-50), first in the West by 2.5 games over the Los Angeles Dodgers, are looking to avoid falling into the Wild Card position in the team’s last 22 games. The Cubs (65-76), fourth in the NL Central, are embracing their role as spoilers and have won nine of 11, including two of three from the Cincinnati Reds who are fighting for the final Wild Card berth. The Giants took three of four from the Cubs in June.
First pitch from Wrigley Field in Chicago is set for 2:20 p.m. ET. The Giants lead the all-time series 1,156-1,086, while the Cubs own a 601-527 edge in games played at Chicago. The Giants are a -145 favorite on the money line in the latest Giants vs. Cubs odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over-under for total runs scored is 9.5. Before making any Cubs vs. Giants picks, check out the latest MLB predictions from the SportsLine Projection Model.
This model, which simulates every game 10,000 times, is 179-150 on top-rated MLB money-line picks through 23 weeks in the 2021 season, returning almost $500. It also had a banner 2019 season, the league’s last full schedule, returning more than $1,400 on its top-rated money-line and run-line picks. Anyone following it has seen some HUGE returns!
Now, the model has dialed in on Cubs vs. Giants and revealed its predictions and best bets. You can visit SportsLine now to see its MLB picks. Here are the MLB odds and betting trends for Giants vs. Cubs:
- Giants vs. Cubs money line: San Francisco -145, Chicago +135
- Giants vs. Cubs run line: San Francisco -1.5
- Giants vs. Cubs over-under: 9.5 runs
- SF: The Giants are 17-5 in their last 22 games following an off day
- CHC: The Cubs are 6-1 in their last seven home games
Featured Game | Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants
Why you should back the Giants
After losing two of three to NL East-leading Atlanta and three of four to NL Central-leading Milwaukee, the Giants appear to have gotten back on track by taking two of three from the Dodgers and sweeping a three-game series at Colorado to regain sole possession of first in the West. San Francisco’s offense has scored at least six runs in each of the last four games. First baseman Brandon Belt has been on a tear of late, going 5-for-10 with a double and an RBI against the Rockies this past week. For the season, Belt is batting .250 with 21 homers, 43 RBIs and 48 runs scored in 82 games.
Also giving the Giants a boost is the return of third baseman Evan Longoria from injury. Although he has missed a good chunk of time this year, Longoria is still batting .286 with 10 homers, 34 RBIs and 37 runs scored. He drove in three runs in the Colorado series, going 2-for-7 with a double and three walks. In two games against Chicago in 2021, he is 2-for-4 with a double, two runs scored and has also drawn four walks.
Why you should back the Cubs
Despite trading away a number of key pieces from its 2016 championship team at this year’s trade deadline, Chicago has played well of late, winning four of its last five series. It had a seven-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday by Cincinnati. Catcher Willson Contreras was a big reason for Chicago’s success against the Reds this week, going 3-for-12 with a homer and RBI. He has also hit Giants pitching well and is batting .273 against them in four games in 2021.
Right-hander Kyle Hendricks (14-6, 4.65 ERA) will take the mound for the Cubs. He leads the team in wins, including a 4-3 triumph over the Giants on June 6. In that game, Hendricks allowed just three earned runs on seven hits in 6.1 innings while walking three and striking out five. That was also part of a stretch which saw him win eight decisions in a row. His last win was at Cincinnati on Aug. 17, when he allowed one earned run on three hits in six innings of work.
How to make Giants vs. Cubs picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning under on the total, as the simulations have the teams combining for 8.9 runs. It also says one side of the money line has all the value. You can only get the pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Cubs vs. Giants? And which side of the money line has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side to back, all from the advanced model that’s on a roll on its MLB picks, and find out.
