Reds vs Cubs Picks, Predictions & Betting Splits

• The Reds fight to avoid a four-game sweep at the hands of the Cubs Thursday, May 7th
• Chicago has won eight straight while Cincinnati has dropped six in a row
• Keep reading to see my Reds vs Cubs picks and predictions and the latest odds

The Chicago Cubs look to cap off a four-game sweep at the hands of their division rival Cincinnati Reds. It’s a battle between first place in NL Central Chicago (25-12) and last place Cincinnati (20-17) with both clubs going into totally opposite directions. The MLB odds showcase the Cubbies as heavy home favorites.

First pitch is set for 2:20 PM ET / 11:20 AM PT Thursday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Chicago sends standout southpaw Shota Imanaga to the mound to duel Cincinnati right-hander Rhett Lowder. Keep reading for my picks and predictions for this matinee affair.

Reds vs Cubs Prediction & Best Bets

• Best Game Bet: Cubs Moneyline (-195 at Fanatics)

The Cubs enter this contest with a distinct statistical advantage. They’ve been victorious in seven straight as a favorite, and eight overall. Conversely, Cincinnati has struggled, losing six in a row in an ultra competitive division (CIN, PIT and MIL are tied for the worst record at three games above .500)

Given the drastic pitching mismatch between Imanaga and Lowder, my primary pick is the Cubs Moneyline (-195). Chicago’s offense averages 5.27 runs per game at home and should generate early run support. Imanaga is well-equipped to keep Cincinnati’s bats quiet, limiting opposing hitters to a .169 average.

While Imanaga should suppress Cincinnati’s scoring, Chicago’s lineup has mashed with the fifth most home runs and RBI in baseball. That makes them a constant threat to put up crooked numbers against a starter carrying an ERA over 5.00 and a depleted Reds bullpen. Cincy starter Rhett Lowder had a strong season going until his last start, where he was crushed for eight earned runs in 1.1 innings vs Pittsburgh.

• Best Prop Bet: Shota Imanaga Over 6.5 Strikeouts (+113 at Caesars)

My favorite player prop is Shota Imanaga Over 6.5 Strikeouts. He averages an elite 9.36 strikeouts per nine innings. Getting plus-money to eclipse 6.5 punchouts against a lineup carrying a .645 OPS on the road represents excellent value. Imanaga has tossed 7+ on three occasions on the campaign, and in two of three career starts vs the Reds.

Pitching Matchup: Rhett Lowder vs Shota Imanaga

Reds vs Cubs Odds

Odds as of May 7, 2026, at 12:57 PM ET from Caesars. Click here for a Caesars Sportsbook promo code before betting on Reds vs Cubs.

CIN vs CHC Public Betting Splits

The MLB public betting splits show the public is heavily backing the home favorites, aligning with my prediction for a straight-up Chicago victory. The Cubs draw 86% of the moneyline tickets, though interesting 59% of the money is on the Reds.

Confidence in Chicago extends to the runline. Bettors are laying -1.5 runs with the Cubs, who see 83% of the wagers and 74% of the total money. For the game total, 81% of tickets and 78% of the handle back the Over.

Reds vs Cubs Injuries

The injuries to Cincinnati directly impact their current form. With front-line starters Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Brandon Williamson sidelined, Cincinnati is testing its organizational pitching depth. The absence of Eugenio Suárez removes a power threat from a lineup struggling to manufacture runs on the road.

While Chicago’s injury volume is high, they have masked these absences. Shota Imanaga has anchored the staff following Justin Steele’s injury. Chicago’s vulnerability is a bullpen missing key high-leverage arms like Hunter Harvey and Caleb Thielbar.

How to Watch Reds vs Cubs

TV Network: Reds.TV and Marquee Network

Away Team: Cincinnati Reds

Home Team: Chicago Cubs

Date: May 7, 2026

Game Time: 2:20 PM ET / 11:20 AM PT

Venue: Wrigley Field

Location: Chicago, Illinois