Cubs vs. Astros prediction and odds for Wednesday, May 17 (Chicago is a live underdog)

The Chicago Cubs have been struggling lately after a hot start, but they're only five games back from the NL Central lead sitting at 19-23 heading into their series finale against the Houston Astros.

The Astros took the first two games in the series so the Cubs will be doing their best to avoid the three game series sweep tonight.

Luckily, they'll be trotting out Drew Smyly, who has been fantastic this season, sporting a 3.05 ERA.

Let's take a look at the odds for tonight's series finale.

Cubs vs. Astros odds, run line, and total

Cubs vs. Astros prediction and pick

It's tough not to back the Cubs as underdogs in a Smyly start. The lefty hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in eight straight starts.

Now, he gets to take on J.P. France, who will be making his third ever start in the Majors for the Houston Astros. He has allwoed only one earned runs through 11.2 innings pitched, and while he may end up being a great pitcher, a rookie arm isn't going to keep up this level of play.

It's time for the Cubs to pounce.

Despite how the first two games went, the Astros offense has struggled. Houston ranks 28th in OPS in the month of May at just .644. Chicago's bats have been better as a whole thing month, so with them now set as underdogs, it's time to take a shot at them.

Give me the Cubs at +150 tonight.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.