Astros vs Cubs Best Bets, Predictions & Splits (May 24)

• The Cubs are -178 moneyline favorites over the Astros this afternoon
• Chicago is trying to avoid being swept in this three-game series
• See the top Astros vs Cubs best bets, predictions and splits for May 24, below

The Houston Astros step onto the grass at Wrigley Field today looking to build momentum after taking the first two games of this three-game set versus the Cubs. Online sportsbooks don’t like their chances, siding with Chicago as hefty home favorites in the MLB odds.

The Cubs bring a solid 29-22 record into this contest, while the Astros have managed just a 21-31 mark despite the back-to-back victories. First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 pm ET, with the MLB weather forecast calling for a sun-cloud mix and 66 degree temperatures.

Keep reading for the top Astros vs Cubs best bets, predictions and splits for the May 24 Interleague matchup, below.

Astros vs Cubs Best Bets

I am confidently backing the Cubs Moneyline as my primary bet. The most glaring disparity in the MLB starting lineups lies in the late innings. The Cubs boast a formidable 3.56 bullpen ERA, whereas the Astros have consistently faltered with a 5.62 relief ERA. When you pair that bullpen advantage with Shota Imanaga’s elite run prevention, the home team holds a massive edge. Furthermore, the Cubs have thrived as favorites this season. They possess a 61.3% win rate (19-12) when listed as chalk.

For the total, I recommend betting under 7.5 runs. Both probable starters effectively limit damage. Peter Lambert counters Imanaga with a solid 3.57 ERA, while neither offense consistently overwhelms opposing arms. The Cubs hit just .244 at home, relying on walks rather than sheer power. The situational trends heavily support this angle as well. The Under has cashed in 70.0% of the Astros’ last 10 games, alongside 60.0% of the Cubs’ past 10 contests.

Shota Imanaga vs Peter Lambert Stats

Imanaga has been a tremendous asset, establishing himself as a reliable strikeout arm. His 3.39 FIP identically mirrors his 3.38 ERA, confirming his production is earned. Meanwhile, Lambert provides a steadying presence for a rotation searching for consistency. Opponents hit a meager .189 against him. Over their last 10 games, both pitchers have maintained elite WHIP marks and averaged nearly six innings per start.

Astros vs Cubs Team Stats

The Cubs boast an 18-10 home record, ranking third in the league. Conversely, the Astros struggle to close out games on the road, managing just a 10-17 mark away from Daikin Park. The Cubs average 4.68 runs per game at Wrigley Field, utilizing an elite 12.4% walk rate to manufacture scoring opportunities. While the Astros hit a strong .264 on the road, their stationary base running (0.26 steals per game) limits their run ceiling.

Astros vs Cubs Predictions

• Shota Imanaga Over 5.5 Pitcher Strikeouts (-128 at DraftKings)
• Ian Happ to Record a Run (-110 at BetMGM)

In the MLB props market, I am targeting Imanaga to record Over 5.5 strikeouts. He averages an elite 9.36 strikeouts per nine innings and consistently pitches deep into games. With a pristine 2.45 walks per nine innings, he pounds the strike zone efficiently. Per the MLB batter vs pitcher stats, he’s racked up 6+ strikeouts in six of 10 starts so far.

Additionally, I see excellent value in backing Ian Happ to record a Run. Happ crosses the plate 0.714 times per game and utilizes his 16.4% walk rate to frequently find the basepaths.

Astros vs Cubs Odds

Odds as of May 24. Claim the BetMGM promo code to bet on the Astros vs Cubs today.

Astros vs Cubs Splits

When I evaluate the MLB public betting splits, the public heavily aligns with my official prediction. An overwhelming 82.0% of the moneyline tickets back the hometown favorites. More importantly, the financial handle reinforces this position, with an astonishing 91.3% of the total money backing the Cubs.

Conversely, the total market reveals a potential sharp angle. While 69.7% of tickets favor the Over, 48.0% of the financial handle backs the Under. This influx of heavier wagers supports my recommendation to anticipate a lower-scoring pitcher’s duel.