Diamondbacks vs. Phillies Game 3 odds, props, predictions: Can Arizona keep NLCS interesting?

The Philadelphia Phillies took a 2-0 NLCS series lead behind a dominant Game 2 performance. The series now heads to Arizona for Games 3-5. Let’s take a look at odds, props and predictions for NLCS Game 3, set for a 5:07 p.m. ET first pitch Thursday, plus an updated series price.

The Diamondbacks will turn the ball over to rookie starter Brandon Pfaadt, while the Phillies will counter with lefty Ranger Suarez, who has only allowed one run through his first two postseason starts. Pfaadt was solid in his only postseason start, allowing three earned runs through seven strong innings.

Perhaps the bigger question, though, will be whether the Dbacks can muster any run support for Pfaadt. After being shut out on four hits in Game 2, the Dbacks have scored only three runs in the series. If the bats don't come alive in Game 3, the Dbacks' Cinderella run in the playoffs will surely end in the NLCS. Their series price is up to +650 at Caesars Sportsbook. 

Odds for Philadelphia Phillies vs. Arizona Dbacks NLCS Game 3

Arizona opened as a slight moneyline underdog in their first home game of the series. We have the latest live odds for the NLCS Game 3 — and remember they are subject to change up until the first pitch.

Updated NLCS series price

Down 2-0 in the series, the Dbacks are big underdogs now, with the best value odds to win the series for Arizona at +650 at Caesars Sportsbook. At the same time, the best value odds for the Phillies to win the series is -900 at BetMGM Sportsbook.

Also read: World Series MVP odds 

Philadelphia Phillies betting news

For the second postseason in a row, the Phillies have gotten hot at the right time and are playing their best baseball of the season. What has been really encouraging for Phillies fans is that their star players are producing, but so are other parts of their lineup. Nick Castellanos had five home runs in a three-game span, and now Kyle Schwarber has three home runs in the first two games of the NLCS.

Philadelphia expects Trea Turner and Bryce Harper to be fantastic, and they have been, but the team has also been getting significant help elsewhere, and that will make the Phillies really tough to beat. The same can be said for their starting pitching. Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler are expected to give big-time playoff starts, but Ranger Suarez has given two straight quality starts and is looking for his third in a row in Game 3.

Put that together with the Phillies bullpen, which has a 1.12 ERA in the playoffs, and this Phillies team may just be en route to another World Series appearance and may have the pieces to win this year after coming up just short against the Astros last season.

Arizona Dbacks betting news

It is not pretty for Arizona through the first two games of the NLCS. They have to get back on track in a hurry if they want a chance to win this series. Simply put, the Dbacks were dominated in the first two games, but there is still hope as they saw the Phillies' top two starters on the road in Games 1 and 2.

The Phillies will turn to Ranger Suarez and a to-be-determined Game 4 pitcher, so this is Arizona's chance to strike. If the Dbacks can win the next two games, what are their chances of winning two out of three games against the Phillies' top two starters? It's not good, so it starts with Game 3, but it is do-or-die time for Arizona.

Phillies vs. Dbacks player props for NLCS Game 3

Check out some solid value player props for Phillies vs. Dbacks in Game 3 from BetMGM Sportsbook.

NLCS pitching props

• Brandon Pfaadt 3.5 strikeouts: over (-160) / under (+125)
• Brandon Pfaadt 3.5 hits allowed: over (-130) / under (-110)
• Brandon Pfaadt 1.5 runs allowed: over (-185) / under (+125)
• Brandon Pfaadt vs. Ranger Suarez 
  • Most K's -250 / +180
  • Fewest On Base -190 / +145
  • Fewest Hits -145 / +110
  • Fewest Hr's +188 / -250

NLCS hitting props

• Bryce Harper 
  • 0.5 hits: over (-250) / under (+185)
  • 0.5 RBI's: over (+145) / under (-190)
• Christian Walker 
  • 0.5 hits: over (-200) / under (+155)
  • 0.5 RBI's: over (+145) / under (-190)
• Corbin Carroll 
  • 0.5 hits: over (-250) / under (+185)
  • 0.5 RBI's: over (+230) / under (-350)
• Trea Turner 
  • 1.5 hits: over (+175) / under (-250)
  • 0.5 RBI's: over (+150) / under (-200)
• Ketel Marte 
  • 1.5 hits: over (+185) / under (-250)
  • 0.5 RBI's: over (+170) / under (-225)

NLCS Game 3 prediction: Phillies move toward a series sweep

The Phillies are dominant right now and playing like they're on a mission. They are going to be tough for anyone to beat as they are getting it done in all areas: run production, quality starts from their rotation and lockdown pitching from the bullpen.

Unless Brandon Pfaadt pitches a gem for the Dbacks, it is hard to imagine Arizona fighting its way back in the NLCS. Arizona appeared defeated after being beaten down in Game 2. The Diamondbacks are going to need a big jolt and some big performances from multiple players to keep this series alive.