Reds vs Diamondbacks Prediction & Picks (Aug. 24): NL Wild-Card Race Heats Up

Thursday, Aug. 24’s MLB schedule includes a massive game between the Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks. These two clubs are neck-and-beck in the National League wild-card race, highlighting the importance of beginning the four-game Reds vs Diamondbacks series on the right foot.

Sleep? Nah… sweep. #ATOBTTR pic.twitter.com/qrJrni688E

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) August 24, 2023

The Reds head into this series with a ton of momentum following a three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels on the road. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks seek their fifth straight victory following Tuesday’s 6-3 win over the AL West-leading Texas Rangers.

Can the Reds leave Chase Field with their 68th victory of the 2023 campaign? Or will the Diamondbacks find a way to keep the momentum coming?

Below is Betting News’ Reds vs Diamondbacks preview, complete with BetOnline’s latest odds as well as my picks for tonight’s action.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Tonight (Aug. 24)

CIN vs. ARI Game Information

• Matchup: Cincinnati Reds (67-61, 36-27 Away) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (66-61, 32-31 Home)
• Venue & Location: Chase Field (Phoenix, Arizona)
• Date: Thursday, August 24, 2023
• Game Time: 9:40 p.m. Eastern Time
• Where to Watch Reds vs Diamondbacks: FS1, Bally Sports Ohio

Reds vs Diamondbacks Odds

Game odds as of Thursday, August 24 at 8:55 a.m. ET from BetOnline. Odds from other sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Spread

• Cincinnati Reds +1.5 (-140)
• Arizona Diamondbacks -1.5 (+120)

Over/Under

• Over 9 Runs (+100)
• Under 9 Runs (-120)

Moneyline

• Cincinnati Reds +145
• Arizona Diamondbacks -158

Reds vs Diamondbacks Probable Pitchers

• Reds: Brandon Williamson (17 starts — 4-3, 4.47 ERA)
• Diamondbacks: Merrill Kelly (22 starts — 10-5, 3.13 ERA)

Reds vs Diamondbacks Betting Trends

• Cincinnati is 5-1 straight up in its last six road games.
• Arizona is 5-1 straight up in its last six games against the National League.
• The total has hit the under in 13 of Cincinnati’s last 18 games.
• The total has hit the under in five of Arizona’s last six games on a Thursday.
• The total has hit the over in four of the last six Cincinnati-Arizona matchups at Chase Field.

Reds vs Diamondbacks Preview

The next four games between the Reds and Diamondbacks could wind up being difference-makers at the end of the season. Cincinnati currently occupies the NL’s final wild-card spot, which only happens to be 0.5 games ahead of Arizona.

The two foes previously collided at the Great American Ball Park last month, resulting in a three-game sweep for the Reds. The Diamondbacks lost each encounter by multiple runs, getting outscored 20-11 on aggregate along the way.

It’ll be interesting to see if the D-backs can exact some revenge tonight. They’ve been solid in front of their fans lately, having won each of their last four home games. Furthermore, they have three wins in their last five encounters with Cincinnati at Chase Field.

The Diamondbacks’ chances of success depend on Merrill Kelly’s ability to continue dealing on the mound. The 34-year-old veteran has been terrific this season, going 10-5 with a 3.13 ERA while averaging a career-high 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings.

Playing at Chase Field has also provided Kelly with a boost over the last few months. In his last eight starts at home, the veteran righty has pitched to a 3-1 record and 2.74 ERA while striking out 54 batters over 49 1/3 innings.

On the flip side, the Reds’ chances of success hinge on what version of Brandon Williamson is on the mound this evening.

On one hand, the former 2019 second-round has been solid for the most part this year, going 4-3 with a 4.47 ERA across 17 starts. On the other, his last appearance saw him surrender four earned runs on nine hits over 5 2/3 innings in a 4-3 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays over the weekend.

The Reds have also lost Williamson’s last two road starts, getting outscored 20-8 on aggregate in those encounters. Time will tell if they play with more confidence behind him tonight.

Reds vs Diamondbacks Prediction and Picks

Reds vs Diamondbacks Prediction: Diamondbacks 5, Reds 3

Reds vs Diamondbacks Picks: Diamondbacks -1.5 (Best Value: +120 on BetOnline ) & Christian Walker to Record a Run (-110 on Bovada)

Although both teams have played well lately, I’m predicting a Diamondbacks victory tonight. Their recent home play has been solid while Kelly gives them a great chance to win anytime he starts. The Reds are good, too, but I can’t trust Williamson after his latest performance.

Another good Reds vs Diamondbacks bet is taking Arizona first baseman Christian Walker to record at least one run (-110 on Bovada). He’s been extremely productive in recent weeks, batting .357 with five homers, 15 hits, and 11 runs in his last 11 outings.

Considering how he’s slashing .275/.370/.663 against left-handed pitchers this year, I see Walker getting the better of Williamson and getting on base at least once before being brought in by one of his teammates.

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How can I bet on CIN vs ARI?

All of the top online sports betting sites will have MLB odds, but here are some of the sites we recommend most for baseball betting enthusiasts.

• BetOnline
• BetUS
• Bovada
• MyBookie

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