Reds vs. Cubs Prediction, MLB Picks for Thursday, May 7

Reds vs. Cubs is set for first pitch at 2:20 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 7, with the Cubs returning a 1.47x payout if they win, via PrizePicks.

The Cubs aim to extend their eight-game winning streak with SP Shota Imanaga (3-2, 2.40 ERA) on the mound. The Reds deploy SP Rhett Lowder (3-2, 5.09 ERA), who's making just his 14th career start.

Below, we’ll break down our Reds vs. Cubs prediction and picks for Thursday’s MLB game, including game winner, over/under, and key player picks for PrizePicks.

Make your picks for Reds vs. Cubs on PrizePicks now.

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Reds vs. Cubs Prediction, Winner Payout, Over/Under – Thursday, May 7

The Cubs have scored an average of 5.5 runs during their winning streak. For the season, they're now tied for the second-most runs scored in baseball. They've also brought plenty of power to the plate, slugging the fifth-most home runs.

The Reds are also a power-hitting team, tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the third-most home runs. However, they are currently without one of their best sluggers in 3B Eugenio Suarez (oblique).

Cincinnati is just 3-8 since Suarez landed on the injured list.

Reds vs. Cubs Winner Payout, Over/Under – Thursday, May 7

The Cubs enter Thursday’s game as a home favorite against the Reds, returning a 1.47x payout if they win outright, via PrizePicks Team Picks.

Here are the full payouts for the Reds vs. Cubs game on PrizePicks.

• Spread: Chicago Cubs -1.5 (1.96x payout)
• Over/Under: 8.5 runs (1.96x payout on Over)
• Game Winner Payout: Reds 2.56x | Cubs 1.47x

Play the Reds vs. Cubs winner or over/under on PrizePicks Team Picks to earn real money — available in 35 states!

Team Picks data is live as of writing and is subject to change.

Reds vs. Cubs Prediction on Winner – 5/7/26

Here are the key game stats and trends behind our Reds vs. Cubs prediction on the winner for Thursday, May 7.

Lock in your Reds vs. Cubs prediction on PrizePicks before the line moves.

• The Cubs are a modest 8-7 on the road but are a scorching 17-5 at home.
• Despite all their power, the Reds have a -25 run differential. According to FanGraphs, their 5.12 xERA is the highest mark in the majors.
• Cincinnati has a team WHIP of 1.50, largely because their walk rate allowed is 12.0%.
• Not only are the Reds issuing many walks, but their pitching staff has a strikeout rate of just 19.7%. That's the fourth-lowest mark in all of baseball.
• The Cubs might be able to exploit Cincinnati’s wild pitching staff, as they possess the third-highest walk rate (11.7%) thus far in the season.

Reds vs. Cubs Player Picks, Stats for PrizePicks: 5/7/26

Here are top Reds vs. Cubs player picks to target on PrizePicks for Thursday, May 7. Today's MLB picks for PrizePicks include OFs Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ.

Cubs OF Pete Crow-Armstrong vs. Reds Projection: 1.5 Hits +Runs + RBI

• Crow-Armstrong has recorded at least 1 hit in nine of his last 10 games. During that span, he's gone 10-for-36 (.278) with a .366 OBP, 3 home runs, 8 RBI, and 7 runs scored.
• Although the young outfielder only has 4 home runs this season, his 46.9% hard-hit rate is more than five points higher than last season.
• Crow-Armstrong has a .343 wOBA at home since the beginning of last year. On the road, that number is down to .300.
• Lowder has struggled through seven starts, posting a 5.09 ERA and a 4.56 xERA to go with just a 17.0% K-rate.

Add Pete Crow-Armstrong to your PrizePicks Lineup now.

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Cubs OF Ian Happ vs. Reds Projection: 5.5 Hitter Fantasy Score

• Happ went 3-for-5 with 1 home run, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored in Tuesday’s 7-6 win over the Reds. With that performance, he's been on base at least once in 27 straight games.
• Although the 31-year-old has a 29.2% strikeout rate, his walk rate checks in at 16.1%. For his career, he has a 12.3% walk rate.
• Happ has a 14.0% barrel rate that's on pace to be the highest mark of his career.
• The hot-hitting outfielder has a lifetime .353 wOBA and .213 ISO at Wrigley Field.

Add Ian Happ to your PrizePicks Lineup now.

Make Reds vs. Cubs Picks on PrizePicks

The Cubs attempt to extend their eight-game winning streak on Thursday against the Reds and their struggling pitching staff. Crow-Armstrong and Happ, who both have a history of success at home, could be primed for juicy stat lines.

Don’t wait until the first pitch — make your Reds vs. Cubs picks on PrizePicks now and earn real money if you’re right.

Pick players, predict More or Less on their stats, and cash in if you’re right. With Team Picks, you can make predictions on game winners, spreads, and over/unders, now available in 35 states.

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