Dodgers vs. Cubs odds, prediction, start time: 2023 MLB picks, Friday, April 21 best bets from proven model
Cubs #Cubs
Oct 4, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer (31) throws in relief in the 8th inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game two of the 2019 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Photo by Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Staff
The Chicago Cubs (11-7) are hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers (10-10) in the second game of the series on Friday afternoon. The Dodgers secured a 6-2 win in the first contest of the series on Thursday. Los Angeles has won two of its past three games. On the other side, Chicago had its four-game win streak halted on Thursday. Julio Urias (3-1, 1.90 ERA) is on the mound for Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Drew Smyly (1-1, 4.70 ERA) gets the starting nod for the Cubs.
The first pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET. Los Angeles is -160 in the money line (risk $160 to win $100) in the latest Dodgers vs. Cubs odds from Caesars Sportsbook. The over/under for total runs scored is 9.5. Before making any Cubs vs. Dodgers picks, be sure to check out the latest MLB predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times. It went 331-285 on top-rated MLB money-line picks (+357) over the past two seasons, and it finished the 2022 MLB season on a 20-14 roll. Anybody who has followed it has seen profitable returns.
Now, the model has dialed in on Dodgers vs. Cubs and revealed its predictions and best bets. You can visit SportsLine now to see the model’s MLB picks. Here are the MLB odds and betting trends for Cubs vs. Dodgers:
Why you should back the Cubs
Shortstop Dansby Swanson is an all-around threat for this club. Swanson has shown good patience and awareness at the plate. The 29-year-old is also a good athlete on the field and showcases his solid glove. Swanson is tied for first on the squad in batting average (.338) with five RBI. On April 17 against the Oakland Athletics, he went 2-of-4 with two runs scored.
Center fielder Cody Bellinger, a former Dodger, has found his swing in Chicago so far this season. Bellinger uses his power to drive the ball all over the yard and into any gap. The 27-year-old owns a batting average of .290 with four home runs and 13 RBI. In Thursday’s game, he went 1-of-2 with a solo homer. See which team to pick here.
Why you should back the Dodgers
First baseman Freddie Freeman is a big-time hitter for the Dodgers. Freeman has the strength and bat control to spray the ball into any gap. The six-time All-Star is leading the team in batting average (.295) to go along with three home runs and seven RBI. He’s recorded a hit in four of his last six outings
Third baseman Max Muncy brings excellent pitch recognition skills to the plate. Muncy won’t be overly aggressive until he sees a ball he likes. The 32-year-old owns outstanding power and bat speed, ranks tied for second in the majors in home runs (8), and is tied for 13th in RBI (16). On April 17, he went 2-of-4 with a solo homer. See which team to pick here.
How to make Cubs vs. Dodgers picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning Under on the run total, as the simulations have the teams combining for 8.8 runs. It also says one side of the money line has all the value. You can only get the model’s pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Dodgers vs. Cubs? And which side of the money line has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the money line to jump on, all from the advanced model that finished last season on a 20-14 roll, and find out.