| MATCHUP | Chicago Cubs | Los Angeles Dodgers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 16-9 | 17-8 |
| Where | Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California | |
| When | Friday, April 24, 2026 | |
| Time | 10:15 PM EDT | |
| TV | Apple TV | |
The Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers will meet on Friday night in the opening game of a three-game National League series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
Chicago Cubs Betting Preview
The Chicago Cubs enter Friday’s game with a 16–9 overall record, including a 5–4 mark on the road. The Cubs arrive at this contest in outstanding form. More specifically, Chicago has won nine consecutive games, highlighted by the Cubs 8–7 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies earlier this week. It should also be mentioned that Chicago tallied a massive 18 hits in the game.
Chicago will turn to right‑hander Jameson Taillon tomorrow night. In four starts made this season, Taillon has compiled a 1–1 record, a 3.97 ERA, a 1.28 WHIP, and 21 strikeouts, while allowing 20 hits, 9 walks and 6 home runs in 22.2 innings pitched.
The Chicago Cubs have compiled a quality starting lineup in 2026, featuring second baseman Nico Hoerner and outfielder Ian Happ. Nico Hoerner has amassed a .304 batting average (10th in MLB), 7 doubles, 22 RBIs, 11 walks and an .872 OPS which ranks 23rd in Major League Baseball. Ian Happ has tallied a .250 batting average, 7 home runs (20th in MLB), 4 doubles, 14 RBIs, and an .883 OPS giving the Chicago Cubs a strong offensive core.
Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter Friday’s contest with a 17–8 overall record, including a 9–3 mark at home. Los Angeles returns to Dodger Stadium after a seven‑game road trip. The Dodgers have won nine of the team’s last ten home games, including an 8-2 victory over the New York Mets earlier this month.
The Dodgers will start right‑hander Emmet Sheehan in this matchup. In four starts made in 2026, Sheehan has compiled a 2–0 win-loss record, a 5.85 ERA, a 1.40 WHIP and 18 strikeouts, while allowing 20 hits, 8 walks, and 4 home runs in 20 innings pitched. Emmet Sheehan will look to continue his recent quality pitching in tomorrow’s matchup with the Chicago Cubs.
Shifting our focus to the Los Angeles offense, the Dodgers continue to rely on Shohei Ohtani and Andy Pages. Ohtani enters this matchup with a .245 batting average, 5 home runs (28th in MLB), 11 RBIs and a .812 OPS (40th in MLB). Outfielder Andy Pages has amassed a robust .337 batting average (1st in MLB), 5 home runs, 21 RBIs and a .938 OPS which ranks seventh in Major League Baseball.
Why the Chicago Cubs will win.
• Recent momentum. The Chicago Cubs arrive at tomorrow’s contest on the heels of a nine-game winning streak.
• Pitching stability. In four starts made this season, Jameson Taillon has compiled a 1–1 record, a 3.97 ERA, a 1.28 WHIP, and 21 strikeouts, while allowing just 20 hits and 9 walks in 22.2 innings pitched.
Why the Los Angeles Dodgers will win.
• Home field edge. The Dodgers are 9–3 at home and have dominated at Dodger Stadium.
• Offensive depth. Andy Pages and Shohei Ohtani continue to anchor a strong Los Angeles Dodgers lineup.
Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction
In my view, this matchup clearly favors the Los Angeles Dodgers. Los Angeles starting pitcher Emmet Sheehan is backed by a Dodgers lineup that has played exceptionally well at home (9-3) this season. Conversely, Chicago starting pitcher Jameson Taillon has allowed 6 home runs in 22.2 innings and now faces one of Major League Baseball’s deepest lineups. With Los Angeles holding the pitching advantage, elite offensive lineup and a superior home record the Dodgers are the clear side to be on in this one. With that said, I am backing the Los Angeles Dodgers on the moneyline in this game.