Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati Reds odds, picks and predictions

The Cincinnati Reds (32-33) and Chicago Cubs (31-34) wrap up a 4-game series Sunday at Great American Ball Park. First pitch is set for 1:40 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Reds odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Reds lead 5-1

The Reds are going for a 4-game sweep after taking the opener 8-4, the second game 3-2 and Saturday’s contest 4-3. Cincinnati was a favorite in all 3 — at -126 Thursday, -137 Friday and -123 Sunday. The last 2 games cashed Under (9) tickets following an Over (9.5) in the opener.

Cincinnati has rolled off 7 straight wins, jumping into 2nd in the NL Central after starting the week in last place. Cincy is 5-2 against the spread (ATS) in the win streak and is 36-29 ATS on the season, according to Teamrankings.com.

The Cubs have lost 3 in a row, are 3-7 in their last 10 games and have lost 4 straight to the Reds going back to last weekend’s series at Wrigley Field. They are 31-34 ATS on the season.

Cubs at Reds projected starters

LHP Shota Imanaga vs. RHP Frankie Montas

Imanaga (5-1, 1.88 ERA) makes his 12th start. He has a 1.04 WHIP, 1.4 BB/9 and 9.4 K/9 through 62 1/3 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 4 1/3 IP, 1 ER (5 R), 7 H, 0 BB, 6 K in 7-6 home win over Chicago White Sox Tuesday
2024 road splits: 3-1, 2.57 ERA (28 IP, 8 ER), 1.29 WHIP, 3 HR, 8.7 K/9 in 5 starts
- First year in majors; has never faced Reds
Montas (3-4, 4.00 ERA) makes his 12th start. He has a 1.28 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 7.0 K/9 through 54 innings.
- Last start: Win, 7 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 2 BB, 9 K in 4-1 win at Colorado Rockies Tuesday
- 2024 home splits: 1-3, 3.34 ERA (29 2/3 IP, 11 ER), 1.18 WHIP, 1 HR, 7.0 K/9 in 6 starts
- Never faced Cubs before