Chicago Cubs at Miami Marlins odds, picks and predictions

The Chicago Cubs (63-65) visit the Miami Marlins (46-81) Friday. First pitch from loanDepot park is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Marlins odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 2-2

The Cubs got back in the win column with a 10-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers Thursday as -177 home favorites. C Miguel Amaya led the way on offense with 5 RBIs, including a grand slam, while LHP Justin Steele allowed 2 ER in 7 innings and picked up the win.

Miami was swept in 3 games by the Arizona Diamondbacks, falling 10-8 Wednesday as +147 home underdogs. 3B Jake Burger hit a 1st-inning 2-run homer, his 25th of the season and 15th since the All-Star break. The Marlins have lost 6 of their last 7 games and own the worst record in the NL.

Cubs at Marlins projected starters

RHP Kyle Hendricks vs. RHP Max Meyer

Hendricks (3-10, 6.35 ERA) makes his 18th start. He has a 1.42 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 6.3 K/9 through 96 1/3 innings.

• Last start: No-decision, 5 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 0 BB, 2 K in 6-5 win against Toronto Blue Jays Friday
• Career vs. Marlins: 3-2, 1.86 ERA (53 1/3 IP, 11 ER), 41 H, 13 BB, 43 K in 8 starts — last outing in April

Meyer (3-3, 5.58 ERA) makes his 9th start. He has a 1.36 WHIP, 3.0 BB/9 and 9.0 K/9 through 40 1/3 innings.

• Last start: Loss, 4 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 3 K in 4-0 loss at New York Mets Saturday
• Has never faced Cubs

Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.

Cubs at Marlins odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10 a.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML): Cubs -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Marlins +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
• Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (+135) | Marlins +1.5 (-160)
• Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Cubs at Marlins picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 7, Marlins 4

PASS.

There is better value on the Cubs’ run line.

BET CUBS -1.5 (+135).

The Cubs are 4-2 in their last 6 games and have held opponents to 2 or fewer runs in 4 of their last 5. Their last 2 wins have been by 2 or more runs. They face a Miami team that has dropped 6 of its last 7 games, including each of its last 3 at home, and has scored 3 or fewer runs in 4 of its last 6 overall. Each of Miami’s last 6 losses have come by 2 or more runs.

BET OVER 8.5 (+100).

While both the Cubs and Marlins have sporadic offenses, each team is coming off a strong offensive performance and each starting pitcher has an ERA above 5.50. The Cubs have hit the Over in back-to-back games, while Miami has hit the Over in 2 of its last 3. The Marlins have allowed 9 or more runs in 2 of their last 3 games.

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