Diamondbacks vs. Phillies NLCS Prediction, Odds & MLB Picks

• Game 1 at Philadelphia: Monday, October 16, 8:07 p.m. ET, TBS
• Game 2 at Philadelphia: Tuesday, October 17, 8:07 p.m. ET, TBS
• Game 3 at Arizona: Thursday, October 19, 5:07 p.m. ET, TBS
• Game 4 at Arizona: Friday, October 20, 8:07 p.m. ET, TBS
• Game 5 at Arizona: Saturday, October 21, 8:07 p.m. ET, TBS (if necessary)
• Game 6 at Philadelphia: Monday, October 23, 5:07 p.m. ET, TBS (if necessary)
• Game 7 at Philadelphia: Tuesday, October 24, 8:07 p.m. ET, TBS (if necessary)

The defending champions, the Astros, enter the ALCS with World Series title odds of +180, seeking to become the first team since the New York Yankees to secure back-to-back championships almost a quater of a century ago.

Hot on their heels are the Phillies, who are priced at +220 with the bookmakers for the Word Series. Should both teams advance, it would mark the 10th World Series rematch in MLB's history, with the previous one in 1977-78.

The Rangers edge out the D-backs, standing at +265 with Arizona at +450.

Interestingly, the Rangers are one of the six MLB franchises still vying for their inaugural World Series win, while the Diamondbacks are pursuing their second championship.

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⭐ Philadelphia Phillies to Win Series (-185) BetMGM

Philly stands as the -185 favorites to advance to their consecutive World Series, while Arizona are seen as the underdog by the bookmakers at +155.

The reason for this is simple, during the regular season, Philly outpaced Arizona by six games and had a markedly better run differential (+81 vs. -15). 

The Phillies' recent performance, almost clinching a world title last year, contrasts with the D-backs who weren’t even anticipated to make the playoffs at the start of the season. The Phillies also notably silenced the Braves' formidable offense in the Divisional Round.

Don't write off the D-Backs just yet, though. With aces like Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly ready for Games 1 and 2, a robust top order including stars like Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte, and emerging rookie Gabriel Moreno, they pose a formidable challenge. 

Both teams have similar victory strategies anchored on rotation stalwarts, home runs, and relief performances. However, Philly appears to have the whole package in my opinion. 

Pitchers, Aaron Nola and Wheeler, seem slightly ahead of Gallen and Kelly right now, while Arizona’s bullpen has been significant, relying on players like Ryan Thompson feels less assured than Philly's lineup. 

It's also worth remembering that the best-of-seven series exposes Arizona's potential weaknesses and despite October's unpredictability, the odds seem to favor Philly in this matchup.

⭐ MLB Best Bet Philadelphia Phillies to Win Series (-185)  BetMGM

⭐ Bryce Harper to Win NLCS MVP (+400) at Draftkings

Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies is poised to capture the NLCS MVP in 2023, and his scintillating postseason performance serves as compelling evidence. 

Throughout the first five playoff games this year, Harper has been nothing short of spectacular, boasting an impressive slash line of .353/.500/.882, resulting in a staggering 1.382 OPS.

Harper's clutch hitting has been instrumental in the Phillies' postseason success. Notably, his stellar contributions were pivotal in dethroning the Atlanta Braves, the reigning NL East champions, in the National League Division Series, marking the second consecutive year they've accomplished this feat. 

During their postseason journey, spanning the NL Wild Card Series sweep against the Miami Marlins and the NLDS victory over the Braves, Harper has maintained a scorching .368 batting average, with three home runs and five RBIs. 

His standout performance in Game 3 against the Braves, where he went 2-for-5 with two homers and four RBIs, exemplifies his invaluable contributions.

Harper's pursuit of a World Series ring remains a tantalizing storyline, and if he continues to propel the Phillies past the Diamondbacks in the NLCS, he may finally achieve this elusive milestone, solidifying his claim to the NLCS MVP title, but not before he's names as NLCS MVP for 2023.

⭐ MLB Best Bet: Bryce Harper to Win NLCS MVP (+400) at Draftkings

⭐ Total Series Games: Over 4.5 (+200)  at Fanduel

The Phillies' Game 4 victory over the Braves extended their home winning streak in the NL playoffs to nine, dating back to 2022 and they don't like to hang around.

That's becasue Philadelphia maintains an impressive average of 5.16 runs per game and restricts opponents to just 1.66 runs.

Then again, the Diamondbacks boast a flawless 5-0 record this postseason and after a modest 41-40 away record in the regular season, they've achieved a 4-0 playoff away record. 

In each playoff game, they've secured wins by multiple runs, scoring a minimum of four runs and conceding only two in their last four games.

Put simply, neither side has hung around getting to this point and I think that says a lot about the way this NLCS matchup will playout.

The Phillies will host Games 1, 2, which will surely be key and potentially 6 and 7.

The question is, will it go that far? The way Philladelphia are looking right now, probably not.

⭐ MLB Best Bet: Total Series Games: Over 4.5 (+200)  at Fanduel