White Sox vs. Cubs prediction: Why Cubs are favored to win Monday's MLB matchup [8/17/2026]

MLB action continues on Monday at 8:05 PM ET as the Chicago White Sox take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Shota Imanaga (8-9, 3.74 ERA) will be the starting pitcher for the Cubs, while the White Sox will counter with Luis Castillo (4-9, 4.96 ERA).

Dimers' advanced MLB model projects the Cubs as the most likely winner in this White Sox vs. Cubs prediction.

This article offers an expanded analysis of Monday's matchup, including best bets and picks.

White Sox vs. Cubs prediction: Who will win and cover?

Using innovative machine learning and data, we have simulated the result of Monday's MLB game between the White Sox and Cubs, forming part of our MLB predictions coverage.

Our leading predictive model currently gives the Cubs a 59.9% chance of defeating the White Sox.

According to our model, the White Sox (+1.5) have a 58.3% chance of covering the run line, while the 8-run over/under has a 50.7% chance of going over,.

White Sox vs. Cubs odds [8/17/2026]

We have researched the best MLB odds in America for this game, which are listed here:

• Run Line: White Sox +1.5 (-145) / Cubs -1.5 (+144)
• Moneyline: White Sox +146, Cubs -144

All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

White Sox vs. Cubs picks and best bet

After matching our probabilities against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets in this matchup. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:

• Run line: Cubs -1.5 @ +144 via DraftKings
• Moneyline: Cubs @ -144 via Novig
• Total: Under 8 @ +105 via DraftKings

According to our best MLB bets, the top play to make on this game is Cubs -1.5 at the spread.

These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.

White Sox vs. Cubs game-day updates and essential details

Monday's MLB matchup between the Cubs and White Sox at Wrigley Field is scheduled to commence at 8:05 PM ET.

• Who: Chicago White Sox vs. Chicago Cubs
• Date: Monday, August 17, 2026
• Time: 8:05 PM ET/5:05PM PT
• Venue: Wrigley Field

Conclusion

We predict the Cubs, with a 59.9% win probability, will likely beat the White Sox in Monday's MLB matchup.

Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.