Cubs vs. Dodgers prediction, odds and likely pitchers for Monday, Sept. 9 (How to B

The Chicago Cubs' game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night has a lot of playoff implications, so this standalone game is a must-watch at 10:10 p.m. EST – even on the East Coast.

Chicago has been on a big run over the last month or so, moving into second place in the AL Central at three games over .500. The Cubbies are still five games out of the wild card, but it's not over for them when it comes to securing a playoff spot.

This is an important game for the Dodgers, as they have a one-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies for the best record in the National League. With a chance to finish the season strong and lead the NL through Los Angeles, every game counts for the Dodgers, especially on a night like Monday when the Phils are also in action.

Los Angeles will rely on Walker Buehler in this game, who has struggled in 2024 and posted a 5.67 ERA. However, the right-hander is coming off five two-run innings in a win over the Los Angeles Angels earlier this month.

Can he build on that?

Here's a look at the odds, the likely pitchers, and my prediction for Monday's game.

Opportunities via DraftKings Sportsbook.

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Chicago Cubs

Kyle Hendricks: Hendricks has never been a power pitcher, but he's been crushed this season, posting a 6.60 ERA and 1.51 WHIP in 25 appearances. The Cubs have just an 8-17 record when he's on the mound, and Hendricks has allowed at least two runs in every start since July 20.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani: I mentioned Ohtani in today’s Daily Dinger (daily home run bets from SI Betting)as this is a dream matchup against Hendricks:

The veteran right-hander has a 6.60 ERA and has allowed 20 home runs in 25 appearances this season. That will be a problem against an elite Dodgers team, but Ohtani is the player I'm keeping an eye on because of his impressive splits against right-handers.

This season, the favorite for the NL MVP title has a .306 batting average with 36 home runs against right-handed pitchers, and he has a good handle on Hendricks in few at-bats in his career, going 2 of 3 with a home run.

This game has an incredibly high score total of 10, but given the competition between the pitchers, I think we could end up at an OVER on Monday night.

Buehler has allowed at least two runs in 11 of his 12 appearances this season, and Hendricks has been just as bad, allowing two or more runs in eight consecutive appearances. Against two rushing attacks, I think the damage could be a lot worse tonight.

Los Angeles ranks third in OPS and eighth in runs scored over the last 15 days, while the Cubs rank ninth and second in those categories, despite the Cubs scoring just two runs in three games against the New York Yankees over the weekend.

This is a prime opportunity to rebound against Buehler, who enters Monday with a WHIP of 1.61.

Given the poor performance of these two starters, I can't trust either team in this game, so let's just hope they score more runs tonight.

Selection: OVER 10 (-105)

The odds are updated regularly and are subject to change.

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