The Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Chicago Cubs in MLB action on Saturday night.
The Dodgers have a stacked lineup, and my Cubs vs. Dodgers predictions are expecting that murderers' row to drive in runs tonight.
Here are my best free MLB picks for this NL showdown on April 12.
Cubs vs Dodgers prediction
My Cubs vs Dodgers best bet: Dodgers Team Total Over 4.5 (-130 at bet365)
The Los Angeles Dodgers are ninth in the majors in runs per game (4.88), but the Statcast analytics and their loaded lineup suggest they should be even better.
Los Angeles has three former MVPs at the top of its lineup and quality hitters like Michael Conforto and Max Muncy near the bottom.
The Dodgers are third in the majors in barrel rate (11.3%), fourth in hard-hit rate (43.7%), and second in expected slugging percentage (.482).
The Chicago Cubs are sending struggling sophomore Ben Brown to the hill tonight.
Brown was solid as a rookie but has been awful so far this season. He has looked shaky in all three of his starts, allowing 17 hits and 10 earned runs through 11 2/3 innings.
Brown does a good job of generating whiffs, but he allows way too much contact. The righty sits in the bottom 25th percentile in hard-hit rate, barrel rate, and expected batting average (.280).
The Cubs also have a mediocre bullpen behind Brown.
Their relievers are 28th in the majors in WHIP (1.71) and 29th in opponent batting average (.303). With the wind blowing towards the left outfield at 9.2 mph tonight, back L.A. to plate at least five runs.
Cubs vs Dodgers same-game parlay (SGP)
Los Angeles Dodgers Team Total Over 4.5
Shohei Ohtani 1+ runs
Roki Sasaki Under 4.5 strikeouts
Since I'm backing the Dodgers to go Over their team total, it also makes sense to bet on Shohei Ohtani to plate a run.
The reigning NL MVP led the majors with 134 runs last year and has scored 15 runs in 15 games this season.
L.A. is starting rookie Roki Sasaki, who was a two-time NPB All-Star in Japan.
The 23-year-old has a devastating arsenal but has struggled with his control. In three starts, he has walked 11 batters in 8 2/3 innings.
I'm not confident in his control being good enough for him to pitch deep into this contest and eclipse his strikeouts total.
Especially since the Cubs are eighth in the majors in strikeout rate and haven't been chasing pitches.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cubs vs Dodgers odds
Cubs vs Dodgers live odds
Cubs vs Dodgers opening odds
- Moneyline: Chicago +150 | Los Angeles -180
- Run line: Chicago +1.5 (-135) | Los Angeles -1.5 (+115)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-120) | Under 8.5 (+100)
Cubs vs Dodgers trend
The Over is 11-3-1 in Chicago's last 15 games. Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Dodgers.
How to watch Cubs vs Dodgers and game info
| Location | Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Saturday, 4-12-2025 |
| First pitch | 9:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | MARQ, SNLA |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Ben Brown (1-1, 7.71 ERA) |
| Dodgers starting pitcher | Roki Sasaki (0-0, 4.15 ERA) |
Cubs vs Dodgers latest injuries
Cubs vs Dodgers weather
Not intended for use in MA.
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