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Dodgers vs. Cubs prediction: Odds, expert picks, starting pitchers, betting trends, and stats

The first pitch of the 2024 Major League Baseball season is Tuesday morning at 6:10AM Eastern as the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs open the season in Japan.

The Dodgers are overwhelming favorite to win a second consecutive World Series title this fall (+240) while the Cubs sit further down the board (+3000).

The offseason for LA included signing the top pitcher in Japan, Roki Sasaki, 2-time CY Young winner Blake Snell, and relievers Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates. They have reloaded to say the least.

The Cubs were aggressive in the offseason as well highlighted by their acquisition of outfielder Kyle Tucker and closer Ryan Pressley from Houston.

Tuesday, Yoshinobu Yamamoto is slated to take the mound for Los Angeles against Shota Imanaga for Chicago.

Imanaga was 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA with 174 strikeouts in 29 starts last season for the Cubs.
Yamamoto was 7-2 with a 3.00 ERA including 105 strikeouts in 18 starts for the Dodgers

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Lets dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first-pitch, projected pitching matchup, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Game details & how to watch Dodgers at Cubs

  • Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
  • Time: 6:10AM EST
  • Site: Tokyo Dome
  • City: Tokyo, Japan
  • Network/Streaming: FOX

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Dodgers at the Cubs

The latest odds as of Monday:

  • Moneyline: Dodgers (-160), Cubs (+135)
  • Spread: Dodgers -1.5 (+100)
  • Total: 8.5 runs

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Probable starting pitchers for Dodgers at Cubs

  • Tuesday’s pitching matchup: Yoshinobu Yamamoto vs. Shota Imanaga
    • Dodgers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto
      2024: 90 IP, 18GP, 18GS, 7-2, 3.00 ERA, 78 Hits Allowed, 30 Earned Runs, 105 Ks, 22 BBs
    • Cubs: Shota Imanaga
      2024: 173.1 IP, 29GP, 29 GS, 15-3, 2.91 ERA, 149 Hits Allowed, 56 Earned Runs, 174 Ks, 28 BBs

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Expert picks & predictions for Tuesday’s game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Tuesday's game between the Dodgers and the Cubs:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Dodgers on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Dodgers at -1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the OVER on the Game Total of 8.5.

Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC.

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
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How Oilers' Walman, Stars' Rantanen And Avalanche's Nelson Quickly Fit Into New Places

Jake Walman (Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images)

NHL players moved at the trade deadline have now had more than a week to get accustomed to their new squads. Some players already dealt with switching teams not long ago, while other veterans underwent the big shift for the first time.

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jake Walman, Dallas Stars right winger Mikko Rantanen and Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson are three examples. Each player’s had a different storyline that caught the hockey world’s attention.

Walman, 29, was traded to the San Jose Sharks in June 2024 with a second-round draft pick from the Detroit Red Wings for future considerations. He recorded a career-high 32 points and provided offensive upside with smart defensive play with the Sharks, which received a 2026 first-rounder to trade him to Edmonton less than a year later. Walman’s endeared himself to his new teammates in five games.

"Nice addition for our team. Adds a lot of speed," Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said on Sunday. "He's a great guy to get the puck and get it out of pressure. His mobility is as good as anyone for a defenseman."

Nelson, 33, spent more than a decade with the New York Islanders but was the subject of trade rumors for most of the season as the team struggled. He now has to adjust to a new team in a new conference during an intense playoff push.

It’s also closing in on a decade since the Avalanche drafted Rantanen. But the 28-year-old was shocked when Colorado traded the pending UFA to the Carolina Hurricanes in January. Without a contract extension, Rantanen went on the move again at the trade deadline to Dallas. He joined a contender that already has Jason Robertson, Matt Duchene, Wyatt Johnston and one of the best netminders in the NHL, Jake Oettinger, who is one of three goalies with 30 wins this season.

Avry Lewis-McDougall looks beyond the stats of each player since the trades and examines how they’ve fit in with their new clubs in a short time in his video column.

Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

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Bulls vs. Jazz Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for March 17

Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz Preview 

The Chicago Bulls (28-39) and Utah Jazz (15-53) are all set to square off from Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

The Bulls are 10th in the Eastern Conference but have won six last 10 games. The Jazz are on operation #FailForFlagg. They have won just one game in their previous 10 games and have the worst record in the NBA.

The Bulls are currently 15-17 on the road with a point differential of -4, while the Jazz have a 3-7 record in their last ten games at home. 

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Listen to the Rotoworld Basketball Show for the latest fantasy player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more from our experts all season long. Click here or download it wherever you get your podcasts.

Game details & how to watch Bulls vs. Jazz live today

  • Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
  • Time: 9:00PM EST
  • Site: Delta Center
  • City: Salt Lake City, UT

Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.
Game odds for Bulls vs. Jazz
The latest odds as of Monday:

  • Odds: Bulls (-218), Jazz (+180)
  • Spread:  Bulls -5.5
  • Over/Under: 238 points

That gives the Bulls an implied team point total of 120.89, and the Jazz 118.02.
 
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!

Expert picks & predictions for Monday's Bulls vs. Jazz game

NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
 
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head
player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Bulls & Jazz game:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Chicago Bulls on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Utah Jazz at +5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 238.

Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!

Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Bulls vs. Jazz on Monday

  • The Jazz are on a 3-game losing streak at home
  • The Jazz's last 4 games versus the Bulls have gone over the Total
  • The Jazz are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as a home underdog
  • The Bulls have won 4 of their last 5 away games against teams with losing records

 
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
 
Bet the Edge is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick’s insight weekdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. 
 
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: 
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) 
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) 
- Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)

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Yankees injury updates: Clarke Schmidt throws successful bullpen session, DJ LeMahieu resumes hitting

Ahead of Monday’s Grapefruit League matchup with the Toronto Blue Jays, Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided a few injury updates.

-Clarke Schmidt threw a bullpen session on Monday instead of making his previously scheduled start against the Jays, since his shoulder hadn’t recovered the way he wanted to after his first start on March 11.

But Schmidt threw a 24-pitch bullpen session instead, and Boone told reporters it went well for the 29-year-old.

Schmidt also told Brendan Kuty of The Athletic that he felt good after his bullpen, and said he wasn’t too concerned about his shoulder, so it seems the Yankees may have dodged the worst possible outcome here.

-Giancarlo Stanton is doing more, per Boone, but the manager didn’t elaborate past that. Stanton has been held out of baseball activities all spring long as he deals with elbow issues, which have required two PRP injections since the start of camp.

-Veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu is “moving the needle” in his recovery from a left calf strain and has resumed hitting. LeMahieu has played in just one game this spring after playing only 67 games last season due to injury woes.

-Also of note, reliever Jake Cousins, who has yet to throw off a mound this spring due to a right forearm strain, has progressed to throwing at 90 feet.

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Kraken Defenseman Named Third Star Of The Week

Seattle Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour has been named the NHL's third star of the week.

Caroline Anne / The Hockey News

The 30-year-old recorded three goals and six points in three games, including the fastest goal to start any period in NHL history. His electric offensive week helped him tie his career-high in goals at 16, which he previously set in the 2022-23 season with the Florida Panthers.

Montour's dominance also helped the Kraken finish the week with a 2-0-1 record, moving them within 10 points of the second wild card spot in the Western Conference.

In a press release from the NHL, they said this about Montour:

"Montour totaled 3-3—6 across three appearances to lift the Kraken (29-34-5, 63 points) to five out of a possible six standings points. He tallied 2-2—4, highlighted by the winning goal four seconds into overtime (tied for the fastest goal from the start of any period in NHL history), in a 5-4 triumph versus the Montreal Canadiens March 14. Montour then scored once in a 4-2 victory against the Utah Hockey Club March 14 before collecting one assist in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets March 16. The 30-year-old Montour shares fourth place among NHL defensemen with 16 goals through 67 total contests this season (16-22—38), matching a career-high established in 80 games in 2022-23 (16-57—73 w/ FLA)."

Finishing as the first and second stars this week were Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper, recording a .987SV%, a 0.33GAA and two shutouts, and New Jersey Devils forward Jesper Bratt, scoring two goals and nine points in three games. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Kraken stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favourites on Google News to never miss a story.

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Anthony Davis assigned G League to get 5-on-5 practice, he wants to return to court this season

Anthony Davis wants to return to the court for the Mavericks this season.

He has been ramping up workouts, nearing a return, and the latest step along that path came Monday when Davis was assigned to the Texas Legends of the G-League, where he could get in some 5-on-5 work in practice (something that was not going to happen with the big club).

Since Davis was traded to Dallas, he has played in just one game, during which he looked amazing (26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists) until he strained his adductor (groin) and had to be helped off the court. He has missed 16 games since but appears eager to get back on the court and silence the "fire Nico" chants aimed at Mavericks GM Nico Harrison over the Luka Doncic trade that brought Davis to Los Angeles.

As a side note, P.J. Washington wants the "fire Nico" chants to end, as he told Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News: "All that 'Fire Nico' stuff, we're sick and tired of hearing it. We just want to go out there and play and we need the fans to support us no matter who's on the floor. That's just how I feel about it."

The question in Dallas' front office is, should they bring Davis back this season? That front office is divided, according to multiple reports.

With Kyrie Irving out for the season with a torn ACL, and the Mavericks having lost 8-of-9 as they appear likely to slide out of the play-in (if Phoenix can get its act even partially together), what is the point of pushing Davis back into action? The same is true of Dereck Lively II (although he is farther away from a return). Is the risk of another injury worth the reward of maybe making the No. 10 seed (then having to win two play-in games on the road to make the playoffs, where No. 1 seed Oklahoma City will be waiting)?

What matters most is that Davis wants to be out there playing, and with this temporary assignment to the G-League, he seems to be nearing a return.

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Duke remains at No. 1 in AP Top 25 entering March Madness; St. John’s rises to No. 5

Duke remained atop The Associated Press Top 25 men's college basketball poll on Monday a day after the committee that selects the 68-team field for the NCAA Tournament went with Auburn as the No. 1 overall seed. The Blue Devils (31-3) earned 49 of 59 first-place votes in the latest poll after sweeping the Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season and tournament titles. The Blue Devils completed its ACC title run despite losing freshman star Cooper Flagg (ankle) and versatile defender Maliq Brown (shoulder) to injuries in the quarterfinals.

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Red Sox positional preview: Who will anchor the bullpen in 2025?

Red Sox positional preview: Who will anchor the bullpen in 2025? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The bullpen was the Boston Red Sox’ biggest weakness in 2024. All signs point to that being the case again in 2025.

Boston lost veteran relievers Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin in free agency. The duo will be replaced by offseason addition Aroldis Chapman and fellow veteran Liam Hendriks, who’s set to return after missing all of last year recovering from Tommy John surgery.

That duo is competing for the closer role along with second-year reliever Justin Slaten, one of the club’s bright spots out of the ‘pen last season. After them, it’s anyone’s guess who will be stepping up in high-leverage situations for the Red Sox this year.

More Red Sox positional previews:

Here’s a closer look at the bullpen arms who will look to turn the club’s weakness into a strength in 2025:

Aroldis Chapman, LHP

2024 stats: 3.79 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 98 SO, 39 BB, 61.2 IP (68 games for Pittsburgh Pirates)

Age: 37

Contract status: Signed one-year, $10.75 million contract in free agency.

Outlook for 2025: Chapman’s days as a shutdown closer are behind him. The hard-throwing southpaw walks too many batters (at least 5.0 BB/9 in every season since 2020) at this stage of his career to be considered a truly trustworthy option in high-leverage situations.

That said, the Red Sox will lean heavily on him in 2025 after losing veterans Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin in free agency. While Chapman is no longer his dominant self, the seven-time All-Star showed last season with Pittsburgh he can still be effective and miss bats at a high rate.

Liam Hendriks, RHP

2024 stats: N/A

Age: 36

Contract status: Signed two-year, $10 million contract in 2024. Mutual option for 2026.

Outlook for 2025: After missing the entire 2024 season due to Tommy John recovery, Hendriks is battling Chapman and second-year reliever Justin Slaten for the closer role. His spring training numbers suggest Boston may be best suited going in a different direction to begin the new campaign.

Hendriks, a three-time All-Star, has allowed six earned runs on 12 hits over five innings (five appearances). Perhaps he’s simply shaking off the rust with only five regular-season games played since 2022, but throwing him straight into the fire to start the season seems unwise.

Justin Slaten, RHP

2024 stats: 2.93 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 58 SO, 9 BB, 55.1 IP (44 games)

Age: 27

Contract status: Arbitration-eligible in 2027.

Outlook for 2025: Slaten, a Rule 5 Draft pick last winter, was an underrated bright spot for Boston during the 2024 season. The right-hander’s impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio suggests he may be the team’s best current option to close out games in 2025. If he struggles out of the gate, manager Alex Cora shouldn’t hesitate to hand the keys over to either Hendriks or Chapman.

Garrett Whitlock, RHP

2024 stats: 1.96 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 17 SO, 7 BB, 18.1 IP (four starts)

Age: 28

Contract status: Signed four-year, $18.75 million contract extension in 2022. Club options for 2027 and 2028.

Outlook for 2025: Whitlock will presumably pitch exclusively out of the ‘pen following another injury-plagued campaign. The right-hander made only four starts in 2024 before suffering a season-ending elbow injury.

If Whitlock regains his 2021/2022 form, it’ll go a long way toward helping Boston’s bullpen enjoy a bounce-back season. He notched a 1.96 ERA across 46 relief appearances during his breakout 2021 rookie season.

Justin Wilson, LHP

2024 stats: 5.59 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 51 SO, 13 BB, 46.2 IP (60 games with Cincinnati Reds)

Age: 37

Contract status: Signed one-year, $2.25 million contract in free agency.

Outlook for 2025: Wilson joined the bullpen this offseason as another experienced left-handed option, though his leash likely isn’t long. The veteran southpaw struggled mightily with the Reds last season and missed all of 2023 due to injury.

Wilson has a handful of solid MLB seasons under his belt, but he’ll have to earn a long-term spot on the roster with a strong start to 2025. If his woes continue, we could see fellow left-hander Brennan Bernardino take his place.

Luis Guerrero, RHP

2024 stats: 0.00 ERA, 0.800 WHIP, 9 SO, 2 BB, 10 IP (nine games)

Age: 24

Contract status: Pre-arbitration.

Outlook for 2025: Guerrero impressed during his brief stint with the big-league club in 2024. Although he hasn’t looked as sharp this spring, he should still earn a spot on the Opening Day roster as a high-upside flamethrower. He’s a dark horse for the Red Sox closer role if Chapman, Hendriks, and Slaten can’t seize their opportunity.

Greg Weissert, RHP

2024 stats: 3.13 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 58 SO, 20 BB, 63.1 IP (62 games)

Age: 30

Contract status: Arbitration-eligible in 2027.

Outlook for 2025: Like Slaten, Weissert was one of the bright spots in Boston’s bullpen last season. Acquired from the New York Yankees in the Alex Verdugo deal, Weissert didn’t allow an earned run over the final two months of the season. That trend has continued so far this spring with zero runs allowed over seven innings pitched (six appearances).

Weissert could start to make a name for himself in the big leagues if he duplicates his 2024 success. He’ll again play an important role for a group that is expected to be the club’s kryptonite again in 2025.

Cooper Criswell, RHP

2024 stats: 4.08 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 73 SO, 31 BB, 99.1 IP (26 games, 18 starts)

Age: 25

Contract status: Arbitration-eligible in 2027.

Outlook for 2025: Criswell’s one-year, $1 million deal before the 2024 season was met with little fanfare, but it proved to be a shrewd move made by the Red Sox front office. Criswell was effective as a swingman, a role he is expected to reprise in 2025.

Criswell’s presence will be even more important with starters Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, and Kutter Crawford on the injured list to begin the year. We can expect the righty to make some spot-starts early in the season with Boston scheduled to play 20 games over the first 21 days.

Adam Ottavino, RHP

2024 stats: 4.34 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 70 SO, 23 BB, 56 IP (60 games)

Age: 39

Contract status: Minor-league contract

Outlook for 2025: The Red Sox bolstered their bullpen depth by signing the veteran to a minor-league contract this offseason. If he makes the team, it’ll mark his second stint with the organization. He made 69 appearances with the club in 2021. Ottavino has been a consistent, durable relief option throughout his 14-year MLB career, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him become a mainstay in the bullpen this season.

Zack Kelly, RHP

2024 stats: 3.97 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 61 SO, 27 BB, 56.2 IP (49 games)

Age: 30

Contract status: Arbitration-eligible in 2026.

Outlook for 2025: Kelly could be a difference-maker for the Red Sox bullpen in 2025. The righty is enjoying a strong spring training, allowing only two runs on four hits and one walk while striking out eight batters in seven innings (six games).

He has strong swing-and-miss stuff, but command has been an issue so far in his big-league career. Consistency will be the key to a Kelly breakout.

Brennan Bernardino, LHP

2024 stats: 4.06 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 56 SO, 22 BB, 51 IP (57 games)

Age: 33

Contract status: Arbitration-eligible in 2026.

Outlook for 2025: It’ll be difficult for Bernardino to make the Opening Day roster with the bevy of left-handed relief options available. His production fell off a cliff last season after a remarkable start to the year (0.78 ERA over first 23 innings).

Bernardino has shown flashes of brilliance at the big-league level, but Wilson’s presence likely points to the 33-year-old starting the season in Triple-A.

Josh Winckowski, RHP

2024 stats: 4.14 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 60 SO, 26 BB, 76 IP (40 games)

Age: 26

Contract status: Arbitration-eligible in 2026.

Outlook for 2025: Winckowski appears unlikely to make the Opening Day roster as his rocky 2024 season has been compounded by a rough spring training. The right-hander has allowed 10 earned runs on 11 hits and five walks in five innings.

Injuries could eventually force Winckowski back into the fold. For now, he’s probably the odd man out as Alex Cora assembles his bullpen for the club’s Opening Day matchup vs. the Texas Rangers on March 27.

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Iona fires Tobin Anderson just two years after he replaced Rick Pitino as the school’s coach

Iona fired Tobin Anderson on Monday, just two years after he replaced Rick Pitino as the school's coach. The Gaels made the announcement two days after losing in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship game and missing out on an NCAA Tournament bid. Iona was the No. 4 seed and knocked off top-seeded Quinnipiac in the semifinals before falling to No. 6 Mount St. Mary's 63-49 in the title game.