Diamondbacks vs. Phillies Game 2 odds, props, predictions: Philadelphia looks to take control of NLCS

After a strong Game 1 performance in the NLCS, the Philadelphia Phillies look to take a 2-0 lead on the Diamondbacks. Here we look at odds, props, and predictions for NLCS Game 2.

Aaron Nola takes the bump as the Game 2 starter for the Phillies; the first pitch is scheduled on Tuesday at 8:07 p.m. EST, with TV coverage on TBS.

The Diamondbacks counter with Merrill Kelly. The right-hander's one playoff start was a gem, as he held the Dodgers scoreless in the NLDS over 6.1 innings while striking out five and only walking two. Interestingly, at 35 years old, this will only be Kelly's second playoff start. 

Nola, who did not have a good regular season (at least to his standards), has dialed it in during the playoffs. In Nola's two playoff starts, he only allowed two earned runs in 12.2 innings. Nola has struck 12 and has only walked two batters in his two playoff starts this postseason. This will be Nola's eighth career playoff start.

Odds for Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Philadelphia Phillies NLCS Game 2

Just as in Game 1, the Phillies have opened as the favorite in the ALCS Game 2 odds. Here are the latest live odds from some of the best legal online sportsbooks.

Arizona Diamondbacks betting news

The Diamondbacks have been a revelation during the postseason, surprising many by making it this far. Still, it will take a lot to take down Nola in Game 2, as he has been excellent all postseason — and so has the Philadelphia bullpen. 

Arizona is going to need a great start from Kelly and a solid performance out of its own bullpen. This matchup could easily produce only two or three total runs with such quality starters on the mound. 

The D-backs can look to some of their stars who are capable of producing a few runs with one swing of the bat. Geraldo Perdomo, who only had two hits in the entire postseason coming into Game 1, had a big home run that got the Diamondbacks back into the game. While Arizona did not make the comeback to win the game, they will need a few more big at-bats like Perdomo's in Game 2.

Philadelphia Phillies betting news

Another game and another home run by Nick Castellanos, who has now homered in three straight playoff games. Not only that, but Bryce Harper did as well as part of a 2-for-3 night with a walk. The Phillies lineup is super dangerous — it's difficult for opposing pitchers to navigate so much power. 

Plus, the Phillies have two top of the line starters in Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. Wheeler did the job in Game 1, and now Nola is looking to match his mate in Game 2. The bullpen was excellent once again, only giving up one unearned run. 

No Philadelphia reliever threw more than 16 pitches, so it is safe to say that every bullpen arm will be at Rob Thomson's disposal in Game 2 of the NLCS. It will be interesting to see how far Nola goes in Game 2 and whether Thomson will have a short leash, knowing how well the bullpen has pitched in the playoffs. These teams have a travel day after Game 2 for the bullpen arms to rest.

Diamondbacks vs. Phillies player props for NLCS Game 2

BetMGM has a diverse range of available player prop markets for sports bettors to consider for Game 2 of the NLCS.

NLCS Game 2 pitching player props

• Merrill Kelly
  • Strikeouts over 4.5 (-120) / under 4.5 (-110)
  • Hits allowed over 3.5 (-150) / under 3.5 (+105)
  • Earned runs over 1.5 (-165) / under 1.5 (+120)
• Aaron Nola
  • Strikeouts over 5.5 (-130) / under 5.5 (+100)
  • Hits allowed over 3.5 (-190) / under 3.5 (+130)
  • Earned runs over 1.5 (-135) / under 1.5 (-105)

NLCS Game 2 batting player props

• Bryce Harper
  • Hits over 0.5 (-175) / under 0.5 (+135)
  • RBIs over 0.5 (+200) / under 0.5 (-275)
• Nick Castellanos
  • Hits over 0.5 (-150) / under 0.5 (+115)
  • RBIs over 0.5 (+210) / under 0.5 (-300)
• Corbin Carroll
  • Hits over 0.5 (-175) / under 0.5 (+135)
  • RBIs over 0.5 (+275) / under 0.5 (-400)
• Christian Walker 
  • Hits over 0.5 (-165) / under 0.5 (+135)
  • RBIs over 0.5 (+190) / under 0.5 (-250)

Arizona vs. Philadelphia prediction: Phillies win 11th NL playoff home game in a row

Philadelphia has won 10 straight home playoff games against NL opponents. Nola and Wheeler are bringing an immense confidence to the mound, and Harper and Castellanos have brought their flaming hot bats with them from the NLDS round. They are producing runs at a high rate for the Phillies. 

It's hard to see a way for Arizona to get a win in what is sure to be another crazy home environment for Philadelphia. Arizona is going to need to find a way to suppress Harper and the rest of the Phillies and scrape together a few runs, which will be easier said than done with Nola on the mound and an excellent Philadelphia bullpen backing him up.