Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs Series Preview and Betting Odds

The Los Angeles Dodgers (17-8) and Chicago Cubs (9-16) will open up a three-game National League series on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 2:20 ET.

Las Vegas oddsmakers have established the Dodgers as -140 road favorites, while the total is 7.5 and facing downward pressure in the betting market.

Los Angeles dropped two of three against the Colorado Rockies to open up its six-game road trip, as the club looks to improve upon its 2-1 mark following an off day. The Dodgers have also managed to compile a 5-3 record in day games, with the "over" going 5-3 in those contests.

Chad Billingsley (2-1, 2.64 ERA) is coming off a solid no-decision effort in leading the Dodgers to a 4-3 home win over the Washington Nationals last time out, giving up a single run and five hits over seven frames.

The right-hander will be making his 11th career appearance (ninth start) versus the Cubs, going 4-3 with a 3.19 ERA, including an even 2-2 mark and 2.55 ERA in four outings at Wrigley Field.

Sports bettors will find that the Dodgers are 1-4 in Billingsley's last five starts as a road favorite of -110 to -150, while the "over" is 7-2 in that situation.

Chicago returns home after splitting its six-game road trip against the Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds, as the club has alternated wins and losses over its last eight games overall. The Cubs were handed a 4-3 defeat by the Reds on Thursday afternoon, with the bullpen blowing a 3-0 ninth-inning lead. 

Paul Maholm (2-2, 6.20 ERA) is looking to capture a third consecutive win, coming off a 5-1 road victory over the Phillies last time out, where he gave up one run and five hits over 6.1 frames. He didn't issue a single walk in that effort, but also managed to strike out just one batter.

The left-hander enters with a dismal 0-5 record and 5.33 ERA in eight lifetime starts against the Dodgers, which includes a 2-0 home loss as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 11 of last year.

The Cubs are 9-19 in their last 28 games as an underdog, while the "over" is 4-1 in the last five meetings in Chicago in this series.

Weather forecasts suggest the potential of rain showers throughout the game and temperatures in the low-60s, with a 10-15 mph breeze out of the northeast (in from center).