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Diamondbacks vs. Phillies prediction and odds for NLCS Game 1 (How to bet total)

The Phillies and Diamondbacks are marching into the NLCS. As Game 1 approaches, the spotlight is on aces Zac Gallen and Zack Wheeler, hinting at a low-scoring battle.

Peter Dewey|
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45).
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45). | Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

There are very few people who would have expected the Philadelphia Phillies to be facing the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NLCS this season, but here we are. 

Philly rolled through the Atlanta Braves to make the NLCS, but Arizona’s sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers was just as impressive. Both teams are red hot from their run through the wild card, and it should give us an entertaining series in the NLCS. 

Game 1 takes place in Philly with Zack Wheeler toeing the rubber for the third time this postseason. He will face Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen, who has pitched to a 3.18 ERA in his first two postseason starts.  

Diamondbacks vs. Phillies probable pitchers for NLCS Game 1

  • Arizona: Zac Gallen (righty) – 17-9, 3.47 ERA
  • Philadelphia: Zack Wheeler (righty) – 13-6, 3.61 ERA

Regardless of what you do bet on this matchup, you can come out a winner at DraftKings Sportsbook. New users that sign up with the link below will receive $200 in bonus bets guaranteed if they deposit and wager $5!

Here is how I am betting Game 1 of the NLCS: 

Diamondbacks vs. Phillies odds, run line and total

Diamondbacks vs. Phillies prediction and pick

I’m going to stay away from taking a side in this matchup since I believe these are two of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball. 

Yes, the Phillies have been elite at the plate this postseason, but they could be in for a low-scoring battle in Game 1 of this series. 

In six playoff games so far in 2023, the Phillies have cleared 7.5 combined runs just three times. Arizona has done so twice in five playoff games. 

So, with each team throwing its ace on the mound, I expect this game to be a little tighter on the scoreboard.

Gallen has allowed two runs in each of his starts this postseason, leading to 5-2 and 4-2 wins for the D-Backs. While Arizona’s bullpen was shaky at times in the regular season, the team may let Gallen go a little further in this matchup if he can keep his pitch count down. 

Meanwhile, the Phillies have gotten two solid starts from Wheeler, who has a career ERA of 2.59 in the playoffs. 

Wheeler has registered 18 strikeouts over 13.0 innings of work while giving up just four runs (three earned) this postseason. 

If you can get a 7.5 – BetMGM currently is offering that total – then go for it. The UNDER is my play in Game 1. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey's betting record here.

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