Expert Picks & Props for Dodgers vs Cubs on Aug 5

• The Dodgers and Cubs play the series finale of their three-game set today in Chicago
• Chicago is looking to sweep the defending champs
• Keep reading for the top expert picks and props for the Dodgers vs Cubs on Aug 5, below

The Los Angeles Dodgers (69-45) and Chicago Cubs (64-49) wrap-up their series at Wrigley Field this afternoon. In their previous meeting, the Cubs secured a 5-1 victory fueled by an error-free defensive performance and home runs from Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner. Los Angeles struggled to generate momentum in that defeat, with its lone offensive production coming via a Kyle Tucker home run.

Chicago now goes for the series sweep with first pitch set for 2:20 PM ET, with broadcast coverage available on MARQ, SportsNet LA, and MLB Network. With elite talent like Shohei Ohtani stepping into the box for the road squad and the reliable Swanson anchoring the middle of the diamond for Chicago, this matchup offers plenty of intriguing angles. Keep reading for the top expert picks and props for the Dodgers vs Cubs showdown on August 5, below.

Expert Picks and Props for Dodgers vs Cubs

• Eric Lauer Under 3.5 Strikeouts (-119 at BetMGM)
• Kyle Tucker 1+ Hits (-190 at BetMGM)
• Andy Pages 1+ Hits (-244 at BetMGM)

Finding betting value in this matchup of World Series odds contenders requires a close look at situational trends. Despite their stellar season-long form, the Dodgers have slumped recently, winning just 30% of their matchups (3-7) over their last 10 games. Matching that slide, they have burned bettors when favored, posting a 30.0% win rate as the betting favorite over their last 10 outings. Conversely, Chicago has handled expectations well, securing a 66.7% win rate (2-1) when listed as the moneyline favorite over its last 10 contests.

With the primary game lines looking tight, my top value on the board centers around the MLB player props market. Los Angeles starter Eric Lauer’s recent performance points heavily toward fading his strikeout totals. Lauer has failed to exceed 4.5 strikeouts in five of his last six games, cashing the under at an 83% rate while averaging just 3.33 strikeouts per contest. With his strikeout prop set at 3.5, taking the Under 3.5 Strikeouts provides excellent data-backed value.

On the offensive side, the visiting lineup offers several high-percentage hit props. Kyle Tucker to record a base hit is a premium target. According to the MLB batter vs pitcher stats, Tucker has been highly effective in this specific split, exceeding 0.5 hits in six straight matchups against Chicago—a 100% success rate—while averaging 1.67 hits per game in those contests.

Additionally, backing Andy Pages to record a hit is supported by a 92% cover rate over his last 12 regular-season games, eclipsing the 0.5 hit mark 11 times.

Shota Imanaga vs Eric Lauer Stats

This afternoon’s matchup features a clash of styles between two left-handers who effectively limit baserunners through entirely different methods. Shota Imanaga takes the mound carrying a 3.67 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. He relies on his ability to miss bats, generating 8.39 strikeouts per nine innings. However, his 4.43 FIP indicates he has benefited slightly from strong sequencing and the defense behind him.

Opposing him is the undefeated Lauer, who enters the contest with a 4-0 record and a 3.35 ERA. Lauer pitches to contact, sitting at just 5.52 K/9 on the year. Like Imanaga, Lauer’s 5.13 FIP suggests regression could be looming, but his ability to suppress hard contact allows him to navigate MLB starting lineups efficiently.

Both starters carry immediate form that is highly effective. Imanaga has posted a 2.09 ERA over his last 10 trips to the mound while demonstrating pinpoint command, yielding just 1.74 walks per nine innings. Lauer has matched that output, boasting a 2.96 ERA and a 0.987 WHIP over his last 10 appearances. He continues to find success without registering high strikeout numbers, reinforcing the value of his under prop.

Odds for Dodgers vs Cubs

Odds as of August 5, 2026 from Caesars. Start betting with the Caesars promo code now to take advantage of these lines.