The Chicago Cubs (9-6) and Los Angeles Dodgers (10-4) meet again — this time on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 10:10 p.m. ET; the game will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and SportsNet LA. It can also be streamed on MLB.TV.
I break down this Friday series opener below and offer a Cubs vs Dodgers prediction on the moneyline. You can also find the latest MLB odds for this game and a head-to-head advanced stats breakdown of starting pitchers Matthew Boyd and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Cubs vs Dodgers Prediction
- Cubs vs Dodgers picks:Under 8 (-105 | Play to -110)
My Cubs vs Dodgers best bet is Under 8. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live MLB odds page.
Cubs vs Dodgers Odds, Prediction
| Cubs Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+1.5 -125 | 7.5 -130o / +110u | +165 |
| Dodgers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-1.5 +105 | 7.5 -130o / +110u | -200 |
Cubs vs Dodgers Probable Starting Pitchers: Pitchers' Duel Incoming?
| LHP Matthew Boyd (CHC) | Stat | RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (LAD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-0 | W-L | 1-1 |
| 0.3 | fWAR (FanGraphs) | 0.3 |
| 0.00 / 2.74 | ERA /xERA | 1.69 / 2.94 |
| 2.52 / 3.97 | FIP / xFIP | 3.35 / 2.45 |
| 1.18 | WHIP | 1.06 |
| 13.3% | K-BB% | 20.6% |
| 34.5% | GB% | 68.4% |
| 96 | Stuff+ | 99 |
| 94 | Location+ | 113 |
Cubs vs Dodgers Preview & Prediction Friday
Cubs Betting Preview
Left-hander Matthew Boyd takes the mound for the Cubs in this matchup, and he should serve as a solid candidate to back. In a limited 2024 campaign, Boyd was dominant.
Through eight starts, he posted a 2.72 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. That success has continued into 2025, as Boyd has thrown 11 scoreless innings through two starts with a 1.18 WHIP.
His underlying metrics suggest continued success is likely. Entering this contest, Boyd ranks in the 65th percentile or higher in expected ERA (xERA), expected batting average (xBA), barrel rate and hard-hit rate.
That success is likely to continue against the Dodgers, a team Boyd is 1-0 against through two meetings with a 2.45 ERA.
Meanwhile, Chicago is likely to struggle against right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Through 42 combined plate appearances against Yamamoto, the current Cubs roster has posted a mere .128 batting average, .179 slugging percentage and .173 weighted on-base average (wOBA).
Dodgers Betting Preview
Yamamoto is one of the premier young pitchers in Major League Baseball. In his debut 2024 season, the right-hander went 7-2 with a 3.00 ERA and 1.11 WHIP.
He has improved so far in 2025, posting a 1.69 ERA and 1.06 WHIP through his first three starts. Yamamoto also ranks in the 63rd percentile or higher in xERA, xBA, average exit velocity, barrel rate and hard-hit rate.
That dominance is likely to continue against Chicago, a team Yamamoto is 2-0 against through three meetings with a 0.64 ERA. There were five or fewer total runs scored in two of those three outings.
Following Yamamoto is a dominant bullpen. This season, Los Angeles’ relief staff ranks in the top four in ERA, fielding independent pitching (FIP), expected FIP (xFIP) and wins above replacement (WAR).
Cubs vs Dodgers Prediction, Betting Analysis: Target the Total
While the Dodgers possess a powerhouse lineup, it has struggled against Boyd. Through 54 combined plate appearances against the southpaw, the current Los Angeles roster has posted a .184 batting average, .265 slugging percentage and .240 wOBA.
Both lineups certainly possess a solid amount of firepower, but this is a tough matchup for each squad. Both starting pitchers have been tremendous and have strong track records against their respective opponents.
Furthermore, we can trust the Dodgers’ bullpen to close the deal.
Pick: Under 8 (-105 | Play to -110)
Cubs vs Dodgers Betting Trends
Cubs Trends
- Cubs are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread
- The totals have gone OVER in 5 of Cubs' last 5 games
Dodgers Trends
- Dodgers are 1-4 in their last 5 games against the spread
- The totals have gone OVER in 4 of Dodgers' 6 last games at home
- Dodgers pitchers have allowed an average Exit Velocity of 86.1 MPH this season (196 balls in play) — best in MLB; League Avg: 88.9 mph
Cubs vs Dodgers Viewing Info: Channel, Start Time, Streaming
| Location: | Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif. |
| Date: | Friday, April 11 |
| Time: | 10:10 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming Options: | SportsNet LA; Marquee Sports Network; MLB.TV |
