The Chicago Cubs are heading into Atlanta looking to snap a four-game losing streak, and they'll have their work cut out for them against the red-hot Braves. First pitch is set for Thursday at Truist Park, where the Braves boast a stellar 14-6 home record.

This matchup features two division leaders squaring off, with the Cubs (27-16) sitting atop the NL Central and the Braves (30-13) leading the NL East. Atlanta has been on a tear lately, going 7-3 in their last 10 games while outscoring opponents by 25 runs. The Cubs, despite their recent skid, have been formidable at the plate this season, ranking fourth in the NL with 52 home runs.

On the mound, it's a battle of arms worth watching. The Braves will send lefty Chris Sale (6-2, 2.20 ERA) to the hill, who has been dominant with 56 strikeouts and a microscopic 0.88 WHIP. The Cubs counter with Ben Brown (1-1, 1.82 ERA), who has been quietly impressive with 27 strikeouts of his own. The betting line favors Atlanta at -163, with the over/under set at 7.5 runs.

Keep an eye on Matt Olson, who has been a force for the Braves with 29 extra-base hits, including 14 home runs. For the Cubs, Nico Hoerner leads the team with a .272 batting average, while Michael Busch has been hot lately, going 10-for-31 with a homer and 10 RBIs over the last 10 games.

Both teams are dealing with significant injuries. The Braves are without Ronald Acuña Jr. (hamstring) and Sean Murphy (finger), among others, while the Cubs have key arms like Jordan Wicks and Hunter Harvey on the IL. It's the third meeting between these two clubs this season, and with both teams fighting to maintain their division leads, expect a hard-fought contest under the Georgia sun.