The Cubs and Dodgers play the first game of their three-game series on Friday, April 24.

Los Angeles is a -156 moneyline favorite, while Chicago is +129 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at over/under nine runs.

Let’s get into a pick and prediction for this Cubs vs. Dodgers game.

Cubs vs. Dodgers prediction, preview

As expected, the Cubs and Dodgers are off to excellent starts to their 2026 campaigns. Both teams are tied for their division lead with two series left in April.

This stretch is particularly difficult for Chicago as it will be on the road against the Dodgers before taking on the Padres in San Diego. The first game of this six-game road trip is handed to Jameson Taillon. The veteran right-hander has a 3.97 ERA across four starts, pitching exactly 6.0 innings in three straight starts. His other outing was 4.2 innings of scoreless ball. Despite consistently pitching deep into games, Taillon isn’t always the most effective. He’s had games of zero and one earned run, but also games of three and six earned runs.

Taillon has a significant challenge tonight as the Dodgers rank fourth in runs per game. A lineup of Shohei Ohtani, Kyle Tucker, Freddie Freeman and Will Smith is arguably the most potent in the league. That doesn’t even include Mookie Betts who is on the injured list.

The Cubs have an elite offense as well, ranking second in runs per game with 5.56. Only the Braves average more per game. Chicago is headlined by Nico Hoerner thus far, as the second baseman is batting .304 with 22 RBI. Alex Bregman and Pete Crow-Armstrong are also key pieces to the lineup that make this unit so strong.

Emmet Sheehan will face this lineup in his fifth start of the season. The 26-year-old has allowed two earned runs in all four starts with a high of four earned runs twice. His 5.85 ERA is concerning, especially since he’s faced the Rockies, Rangers, Nationals and Diamondbacks — four non-premier teams in 2026.

On the bright side, Sheehan has recorded six strikeouts in both home starts. Perhaps that’s enough to keep him stable against a loud Chicago offense.

Cubs vs. Dodgers Pick, Best Bet

This is a potential playoff matchup, so it’s key to see how these teams face off this early in the regular season. Both are leading their divisions, but the Dodgers have home-field advantage for this series.

Chicago, however, has the momentum. It’s on a nine-game win streak and has scored seven or more runs in three straight. Additionally, there’s value in a Cubs’ victory.

Best Bet: Chicago Cubs ML (+129)