Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves Picks, Predictions, Odds

The Chicago Cubs (7-10) will wrap up their road series with the Atlanta Braves (8-10) on Thursday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:20 PM ET at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia and can be viewed on MLB Network.  

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Score Prediction

Atlanta 5, Chicago 3 

Best Bets 

• Braves -1.5 (+105) at BetMGM

Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves Betting Predictions

The Cubs had their bats working during Wednesday’s win with 11 hits and six RBI’s. Thanks to three runs in the 10th, the Cubs managed a 6-3 win to tie the series at one game apiece. Starting pitcher Mark Leiter Jr lasted 2.0 innings and allowed two hits and zero runs. The other six pitchers used gave up six hits and three runs.  The left-hander Drew Smyly is expected to take the mound on Thursday. Smyly is 1-1 in three games this season with an ERA of 2.45 and has allowed 13 hits, four earned runs, and struck out nine batters in 14.2 innings of work.  

The Braves struggled to get much going on Wednesday with eight hits and three runs. Atlanta’s pitching had the game tied after nine innings, but relief pitcher Tyler Matzek gave up three hits and three runs in the top of the 10th, costing them the game. Right-handed pitcher Kyle Wright is scheduled to get the start on Thursday. Wright is 2-0 in three games this season with an ERA of 1.06 and has given up 11 hits, two earned runs, and struck out 26 batters in 17.0 innings.  

I like the Braves to have a big game tomorrow and cover the spread. Kyle Wright has looked great this season and should be able to have a solid outing. Smyly has been solid for the Cubs as well, but expect Atlanta to have a nice day with the bats. Backing the Braves at –1.5 here.  

Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves Betting Odds

• Cubs +155
• Braves -180
• Cubs +1.5 (-130)
• Braves -1.5 (+110)
• Over 8.5 (-110)
• Under 8.5 (-110)

MLB Odds | Futures Odds | Expert Picks

Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves Betting Resources

• Date: Thursday, April 28, 2022
• Matchup: NL Central vs. NL East
• Stadium: Truist Park
• Location: Atlanta, Georgia
• TV-Time: MLBN - 7:20 p.m. ET

Chicago Cubs Betting Analysis

After 18 games the Cubs are 8-10 SU, 9-9 ATS, and have an O/U record of 8-9-1. The total has gone under in four of Chicago’s last six games as well as six of their last nine games played on the road. Chicago has struggled as of late, losing six of their last eight games. Following this trend, the Cubs are 2-7 SU in their last eight games when playing on the road against Atlanta.  

Chicago has struggled with their bats as of late, scoring three or less runs in three of their last five games. As a team the Cubs have a batting average of .267 (30th), on base percentage of .348 (1st), slugging percentage of .416 (4th), and have scored 91 runs (3rd). Center fielder Ian Happ leads the team with a batting average of .333 (17-51), two home runs, and ten RBIs. The right fielder Seiya Suzuki has also been sold with a batting average of .327 (17-52), four home runs, and 13 RBIs.  

The Cubs pitching has been better in the past few games, holding opponents to four runs or less in six straight games. As a team they are allowing opponents a batting average of .238 (21st), have an ERA of 3.92 (20th), and have given up 71 runs (12th). Left-handed pitcher Drew Smyly is scheduled to get the start on Thursday. Smyly is 1-1 in three games this season with an ERA of 2.45 and has allowed 13 hits, four earned runs, and struck out nine batters in 14.2 innings. Smyly pitched for the Braves last season.

Atlanta Braves Betting Analysis

The reigning World Series champs are off to a slow start and have gone 8-11 SU, 7-12 ATS, and have an O/U record of 9-9-1. The total has gone under in seven of Atlanta’s last 11 games. Going against this trend, the total has gone over in six of their last seven games against the Cubs. The Braves are 13-7 in their last 20 home games and 7-2 in their last nine games when playing at home against Chicago. 

The Braves have struggled to get much going offensively this season. As a team they have a batting average of .229 (14th), on base percentage of .305 (18th), slugging percentage of .397 (8th), and have scored 74 runs (15th).  First baseman Matt Olson leads the team with a batting average of .333 (22-66), two home runs, and six RBIs. The second baseman Ozzie Albies has been bringing in runs for the Braves with a batting average of .257 (18-70), six home runs (3rd), and has 11 RBIs.

Atlanta’s pitching has allowed five or more runs in nine games this season. As a team they are allowing opponents a batting average of .233 (17th), have an ERA of 4.39 (24th), and have given up 89 runs (25th). The right-hander Kyle Wright is scheduled to take the mound Thursday. Wright is 2-0 in three games this season with an ERA of 1.06 and have given up 11 hits, two earned runs, and struck out 26 batters in 17.0 innings. In his one game against the Cubs last season Wright went 4.1 innings and allowed three hits, two earned runs, and struck out five batters.  

Key Players to Watch

• CHC: Seiya Suzuki - OF (Last Game: 2-5, 2B, R, RBI)
• CHC: Ian Happ - OF (Last Game: 1-2, R, RBI, 2 BB)
• ATL: Matt Olson - 1B (Last Game: 1-4, 2B, R, BB)
• ATL: Austin Riley - 3B (Last Game: 1-4, BB)

Probable Pitchers

• CHC: Drew Smyly - LHP (1-1, 2.45 ERA, 9 K, 1.02 WHIP)
• ATL: Kyle Wright - RHP (2-0, 1.06 ERA, 26 K, 0.76 WHIP)

Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves Betting Conclusion

The Braves will look to bounce back after a tough loss on Wednesday. Expect Kyle Wright to have a nice day for Atlanta and give them five to six innings. The Cubs have lost six of their last eight and I don’t see them winning two straight on the road here. Backing Atlanta at –1.5.  

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