Cubs vs Braves Betting Picks & Predictions for May 12

• The Braves are -118 moneyline favorites tonight versus the Cubs
• Atlanta is holding enemy bats to a .210 average so far this season
• See my Cubs vs Braves betting picks and predictions for May 12, below

The Atlanta Braves welcome the Chicago Cubs to Truist Park tonight, for a 7:15 PM ET first pitch. Both clubs are on fire to start the season, sitting on top of their respective divisions.

This National League showdown carries weight, with the Braves sitting at a 28-13 record and Chicago close behind at 27-14. Online sportsbooks are siding with Atlanta in the MLB odds as -118 moneyline favorites, which is a number that I don’t believe is short enough.

As a result, I’ll be targeting Atlanta in my Cubs vs Braves betting picks and predictions, so keep reading to find out why plus see the rest of my wagers for this May 12th contest.

Cubs vs Braves Betting Picks

• Braves Moneyline (-118 at BetMGM)
• Under 8.5 Runs (+100 at BetMGM)

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My top two bets tonight are the Braves moneyline and under 8.5 runs. Per the MLB starting pitchers and lineups, the defining gap between these clubs rests on the mound. The Braves boast a 3.14 team ERA, holding opponents to a .210 average. Chicago carries a 3.81 ERA and a .227 opponent batting average.

Given Atlanta’s starters own a 3.03 ERA while Chicago’s sit at a respectable 3.77, the under is a no brainer bet. Both staffs suppress runs efficiently, making a low-scoring affair highly probable between these World Series odds contenders.

Colin Rea vs Grant Holmes Stats

Chicago hands the ball to Colin Rea, who holds a solid 3.86 ERA through five starts. His 3.67 FIP suggests this success is sustainable. While Rea allows base traffic with a 1.52 WHIP, he sequences pitches effectively to limit damage. Over his last 10 appearances, Rea has maintained steady form with a 4.03 ERA.

Atlanta counters with Grant Holmes. He sports a 4.34 ERA, but a 5.02 FIP reveals underlying vulnerability. Still, Holmes limits hits, holding opponents to a .225 average to suppress his WHIP. This pitching matchup projects as relatively even, emphasizing command and bullpen depth.

Cubs vs Braves Stats

Both clubs average 5.06 runs per game in these splits, but they generate offense differently. Atlanta batters rake at Truist Park with a .282 home average. Their 89.8 mph average exit velocity ranks fourth league-wide, proving their hitters consistently square up pitches.

Meanwhile, Chicago sits tied for 13th on the road at 88.5 mph, relying heavily on situational hitting rather than raw power. Defensively, Atlanta leads all of baseball by surrendering just 3.44 runs per contest. Between elite run suppression and superior batted-ball data, the underlying metrics confirm a fundamental advantage for the home side.

Cubs vs Braves Odds

Odds as of May 12. Claim the BetMGM promo code to bet on MLB tonight.

Cubs vs Braves Predictions

• Matt Olson 1+ RBI (+127 at Caesars)

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My top MLB props bet is Matt Olson to record an RBI at +127 odds. Olson has terrorized pitchers this season, racking up 36 RBIs and 14 home runs over 146 at-bats. Boasting a .296 average and a 1.031 OPS, backing the premium run-producer in this lineup at plus-money is an excellent wager.

Per the MLB batter vs pitcher stats, Olson has owned Rea in previous matchups. He’s 4-for-8 lifetime versus the righty, with a home run, two extra-base hits and 3 RBI.