Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros odds, picks and predictions

The Chicago Cubs (19-23) and Houston Astros (23-19) meet Wednesday for the finale of a 3-game series. First pitch from Minute Maid Park is set for 8:10 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Astros odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Astros lead 2-0

Chicago lost 7-3 Tuesday as +154 road underdogs. The was tied at 1 going into the 4th inning when the Astros broke the game open with 4 runs. The win Houston’s 3rd straight and they now are 10-11 at home this season.

Cubs at Astros projected starters

LHP Drew Smyly vs. RHP J.P. France

Smyly (4-1, 3.05 ERA) makes his 9th start. He has a 0.97 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 7.7 K/9 in 44 1/3 innings.

• Last outing: Win, 6 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 4 K, in a 6-2 road victory over the Minnesota Twins Friday
• Career vs. Houston: 1-4 in 8 appearances (5 starts), 5.86 ERA, 27 2/3 IP, 18 ER, 31 H, 6 HR, 15 BB, 29 K

France (1-0, 0.77 ERA) makes the 3rd start of his career. The 28-year-old rookie has a 0.69 WHIP, 1.5 BB/9 and 6.2 K/9 in 11 2/3 innings.

• Last outing: Win, 6 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 3 K, in a 5-1 road victory vs. Chicago White Sox Friday

Cubs at Astros odds

BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:44 a.m. ET.

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Cubs at Astros picks and predictions

Prediction

Astros 5, Cubs 4

BET ASTROS (-160).

The line here is a little rich but with the Astros being 6-1 in their last 7 games overall and on grass, and being both 4-1 in the last 5 meetings vs. the Cubs overall and in the last 5 meetings in Houston, they are the safer bet.

LEAN CUBS +1.5 (-145).

Four of the last 10 meetings have finished with a 1-run margin and coupled  with the fact the Astros have struggled to secure wins at home this season, the Cubs are the lean to cover the run line.

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BET OVER 8.5 (-120).

For Chicago the Over is 7-0 in their last 7 overall, 6-0 in their last 6 inter-league games, and 5-0 in their last 5 games following a loss. The Over is also 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Houston and 6 meetings overall.

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