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At 7:00 ET, the Pelicans will host the Nuggets at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Denver (-414) is currently a 9.5-point favorite over the Pelicans (+322). The over/under line for this Western Conference matchup is 231.5.

Denver is 14-11 on the season and 6th in the Western Conference. New Orleans (5-24) is 15th in the West and has lost six straight games.<h3>DENVER NUGGETS VS NEW ORLEANS PELICANS BETTING PICK</h3>The Pick: New Orleans Pelicans +9.5This game will be played at Smoothie King Center at 7:00 ET on Sunday, December 22nd.<h3>WHY BET THE NEW ORLEANS PELICANS:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 120-113 in favor of the Nuggets.</li><li>Our projections have Nikola Jokic finishing with 28 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists.</li><li>From the field, we have the Nuggets finishing with a field goal percentage of 48.9% and knocking down 11 threes.</li></ul><h3>Can Denver Stun the Crowd at Smoothie King Center?</h3>Denver’s season record dropped to 14-11 after a 126-124 road loss to the Trail Blazers on Thursday. The Nuggets, who were favored by 8.5 points, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game hit 250, surpassing the O/U line of 234.5 by 15.5 points. Denver appeared to be in control after a 10-0 run stretched their lead from 66-59 to 76-59. However, they faltered in the 3rd quarter, getting outscored 38-21. Despite a strong 4th quarter where they outscored Portland 37-22, the Nuggets couldn’t complete the comeback.The Nuggets shot 54% from the field and hit 15 threes at a 44.1% clip in their 126-124 loss to the Trail Blazers. Nikola Jokic led the way with 34 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds, connecting on 4 threes at 66.7% efficiency. Jamal Murray added 24 points and 10 assists, with 12 points coming in the 4th quarter. Christian Braun also made a significant impact in the final period, scoring 11 of his 13 points in the 4th.Defensively, the Nuggets struggled in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, giving up 36 and 38 points, respectively, in their 126-124 loss to the Trail Blazers. They tightened up in the 4th, allowing just 22 points, but it wasn't enough to secure the win. Overall, Denver allowed Portland to shoot 46% from the field. From beyond the arc, the Nuggets gave up 16 threes on 34% shooting. The Trail Blazers also went to the line 24 times, hitting 20 free throws. Denver finished with 32 defensive rebounds but allowed 15 offensive boards, while also recording 7 steals and 3 blocks.<h3>Can The Pelicans Secure a Home Victory?</h3>The Pelicans fell to 5-24 on the season after a 104-93 home loss to the Knicks on Saturday. New Orleans entered the game as +8 point underdogs but failed to cover the spread. The total score of 197 points was well below the 223.5-point line. New Orleans went on a 10-0 run early, taking the lead from 19-16 to 26-19, but couldn’t maintain momentum. They led 49-45 at halftime but were outscored 33-26 in the 3rd quarter and 26-18 in the 4th, as the Knicks pulled away late.The Pelicans struggled offensively in their 93-point effort against the Knicks, shooting just 41% from the field. They connected on 12 threes at a 35.3% rate, both figures hovering around their average. Trey Murphy III led the way with 26 points, scoring 12 in the opening quarter. Dejounte Murray added 14 points, while CJ McCollum chipped in 13.Defensively, the Pelicans had a strong 2nd quarter, giving up just 17 points, but they struggled in the 3rd, allowing 33 points in their 104-93 loss to the Knicks. Overall, they held New York to 43% shooting. New Orleans had trouble defending the three, as the Knicks hit 15 threes at a 40% clip. The Pelicans also gave up 15 offensive rebounds but recorded 8 steals and 5 blocks.

Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Pelicans Betting Pick & Prediction 12/22/24

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College Basketball

Bryant Bulldogs vs Towson Tigers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/22/24

Utah State Aggies vs Saint Mary's Gaels NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/22/24

Sacred Heart Pioneers vs Miami (OH) RedHawks NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/22/24

Kent State Golden Flashes vs Alabama Crimson Tide NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/22/24

Alcorn State Braves vs UAB Blazers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/22/24

McNeese State Cowboys vs Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/22/24

Georgetown Hoyas vs Seton Hall Pirates NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/22/24

Oral Roberts Golden Eagles vs Oklahoma State Cowboys NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/22/24

Saint Louis Billikens vs Grand Canyon Antelopes NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/22/24

Penn Quakers vs George Mason Patriots NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/22/24

The Billikens and Antelopes are set to face off at 4:00 ET on ESPN+. The Antelopes will host the game at GCU Arena in Phoenix, AZ. The odds for this non-conference game currently have Grand Canyon as the -9.5 favorite, with the over/under line sitting at 154.5 points.<h3>SAINT LOUIS BILLIKENS VS GRAND CANYON ANTELOPES BETTING PICK</h3>The Pick: Saint Louis Billikens +9.5This game will be played at GCU Arena at 4:00 ET on Sunday, December 22nd.<h3>WHY BET THE SAINT LOUIS BILLIKENS:</h3><ul><li>We have this one finishing with a projected score of 74-73 in favor of the Billikens.</li><li>Not only will Saint Louis pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +9.5.</li><li>The over/under is currently sitting at 154.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.</li></ul><h3>Will Saint Louis Be The Talk of GCU Arena?</h3>Saint Louis dropped to 5-5 on the season after a 74-71 home loss to Wofford on Wednesday. The Billikens, who were -7.5 favorites, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread. Saint Louis led 35-28 at halftime but allowed 46 points in the 2nd half while scoring 36. The game’s total points of 145 fell short of the 150.5 O/U line.Saint Louis put up 71 points in their last game, shooting 46.7% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 57.8%. They hit 37.5% of their threes, going 9-for-24, and were 57.1% on two-point attempts, making 12 of 21. At the free-throw line, they struggled, converting just 57.1% on 20-of-35 shooting. Corey Tripp led the way with 24 points and 5 assists, shooting 62.5% overall, though he missed all 3 of his three-point attempts. Isaiah Swope added 19 points, hitting 3-of-7 from deep, while Robbie Avila contributed 16 points and 8 assists, despite shooting 33.3% from beyond the arc.Saint Louis gave up 74 points in this one, with the opposing team shooting 46% from the field. They allowed 57% shooting from two-point range, with the other team hitting 12 of their 21 attempts. From beyond the arc, the Billikens' defense conceded 9 threes on 24 attempts, a 37% success rate. They also sent the other team to the line 35 times, where they made 20 free throws, shooting 57%. Saint Louis allowed 5 offensive rebounds.<h3>Can Grand Canyon Lock in a Home Win?</h3><h3>Grand Canyon Antelopes Recent Game/Games</h3> 

Grand Canyon improved to 6-4 on the season with a 74-51 win over Chicago State on Thursday. The Antelopes were -30 favorites at home but didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game were 125, well below the O/U line of 149.5. 

Grand Canyon dominated the first half, leading 40-20 at the break. They scored 34 points in the 2nd half but allowed 31, a closer margin than expected.Grand Canyon put up 74 points in their last game, shooting 50.9% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 54.5%, with strong two-point shooting at 63.2% (24/38), but they struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 4 of 17 attempts for 23.5%. At the free-throw line, the Antelopes shot 56%, making 14 of 25 attempts. They grabbed 10 offensive rebounds and dished out 11 assists. Lök Wur led the way with 20 points, shooting 61.5% overall and 40% from three-point range.Grand Canyon's defense gave up 51 points, despite allowing their opponent to shoot 50% from the field. They were particularly vulnerable inside, where they allowed 63% shooting on two-point attempts (24/38). From beyond the arc, Grand Canyon held their opponent to 23% shooting, as they went 4/17 on threes. The Antelopes also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 25 times, where they made 14 for 56%. Grand Canyon gave up 10 offensive rebounds.

Remember sitting around the TV with your family during the holidays, everyone cheering for their favorite football team? Those memorable moments of sports and family time are getting a new twist these days. More and more families are adding friendly betting pools to their holiday traditions, making every touchdown and field goal even more exciting.



In recent years, as sports betting has become legal in many states, family gatherings have started to look a little different. Instead of just wearing team jerseys and sharing snacks, relatives are now creating fun prediction games and friendly wagers around the big holiday games. Whether it's picking winners for the New Years bowl matchups or guessing which basketball team will score first on Christmas Day, these activities are adding extra spark to family celebrations.



These new betting traditions aren't just about winning or losing – they're changing how families experience sports together. From grandparents sharing their sports knowledge with grandkids to siblings competing for yearly bragging rights, holiday betting pools are creating fresh ways for families to bond over their favorite games. Let's explore how these modern traditions are bringing new excitement to holiday sports gatherings while keeping the spirit of family togetherness alive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The History of Sports and Family Holiday Traditions</h2>



Sports have been bringing families together during the holidays for generations. Since the first Thanksgiving NFL game in 1934, when the Detroit Lions played the Chicago Bears, watching football has been as much a part of Turkey Day as stuffing and cranberry sauce. The same goes for New Year's Day, where families have gathered around the TV for decades to watch <a href="https://bangthebook.com/college-football">college football</a> bowl games while recovering from their midnight celebrations.



Long before smartphones and betting apps, families found creative ways to make holiday games more interesting. Uncle Bob might have run the family football pool, where everyone put in a dollar to guess the final score. Cousins would compete in season-long fantasy football leagues, leading to heated holiday dinner discussions about who made the better trades. These friendly competitions weren't really about money – they were about having fun and staying connected with family members, even those who lived far away.



These casual games and family pools laid the foundation for what we see today. While past generations might have used paper grids for <a href="https://www.nfl.com/super-bowl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Super Bowl</a> squares or shared fantasy league updates through phone calls, these same activities have evolved with technology. The spirit of friendly competition that started with notebook paper and cash in envelopes has grown into something bigger, as more families embrace legal sports betting platforms to keep their holiday traditions alive – just with a modern twist.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.bangthebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/betting-pools-timeline-1024x441.png" alt="" class="wp-image-53599"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Rise of Holiday Betting Pools</h2>



Family betting pools changed dramatically when sports betting became legal in many states. What used to be informal wagers written on napkins during holiday dinners has evolved into organized family competitions that everyone can enjoy safely and legally. Many families now create their own holiday betting leagues with clear rules and reasonable limits, making sure the focus stays on fun rather than serious gambling.



The holiday <a href="https://knupsports.com/calendars/sports-betting-calendar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sports calendar</a> provides perfect opportunities for family betting pools. Thanksgiving brings three NFL games that span the entire day, giving families plenty of chances to predict scores, guess which player will score first, or create prop bets like...



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
Will grandpa fall asleep before halftime?
</blockquote>



The NBA's Christmas Day games have become another holiday betting tradition, with five exciting matchups that keep families engaged from morning until night. New Year's Day rounds out the holiday season with college football bowl games that let families start the year with friendly competition.



Modern technology has made it easier than ever for families to keep their betting pools going, even when everyone can't be in the same room. Popular sports betting apps allow families to create private groups where they can set up pools, track everyone's picks, and watch the results unfold in real-time.



Cousins who moved across the country can still join in the family's Thanksgiving pool, and grandparents can participate in Christmas Day basketball predictions from their winter home in Florida. Some families even use video calls to announce their picks together, making distance feel a little less distant.



These new digital tools have also made it simpler to keep betting pools organized and fair. Instead of arguing over who actually picked which team or trying to remember everyone's predictions, apps keep perfect records of all bets and automatically calculate winners.



Many families use this technology to create season-long competitions, where holiday games count for extra points in their ongoing family standings. The person with the most points at the end of the year might win a special trophy or the honor of hosting next year's holiday gathering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Betting Pools are Becoming a Holiday Staple?</h2>



Holiday betting pools have caught on because they give everyone a way to join in the fun, whether they know everything about sports or just show up for the snacks. Grandma might not know the quarterback's stats, but she can still win the family pool by picking teams based on her favorite uniform colors.



Kids too young for real betting can participate with monopoly money or points, learning about sports while joining in the family excitement. These pools create a level playing field where sports knowledge isn't the only path to victory.



The friendly competition of holiday betting pools does something special – it gives family members new ways to connect and share experiences. Instead of everyone staring at their phones during holiday gatherings, they're comparing picks, playfully trash-talking, and celebrating or groaning together as games unfold. Some families have started traditions like having the previous year's winner create special categories for the next holiday's pool, or letting the kids invent silly prop bets like "how many times will dad check his phone during the game?"



Even the most boring game becomes thrilling when family members have predictions riding on it. A fourth-quarter field goal in a blowout game suddenly becomes the most exciting moment of the day when it determines whether Aunt Sarah or Uncle Mike wins the family pool.



These shared moments of suspense create memories that families talk about for years to come. Stories like "Remember when Junior won the Thanksgiving pool because he was the only one who picked the Lions?" become part of family lore, retold every holiday season.



The beauty of these pools is that they add excitement without overshadowing what really matters – spending time together as a family. While everyone wants to win, the real victory is in the laughs shared, the traditions created, and the bonds strengthened.



Whether it's teaching younger generations about sports, giving far-flung family members a reason to stay connected throughout the holiday, or simply making that post-turkey football game a little more interesting, betting pools are adding a new dimension to family holiday traditions.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.bangthebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/holiday-betting-pools-1024x585.webp" alt="Holiday Betting Pools" class="wp-image-53598"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Challenges and Controversies</h2>



Not every family jumps at the idea of adding betting pools to their holiday traditions. Some parents worry that even friendly wagers might send the wrong message to kids about gambling, while grandparents might remember the days when betting was strictly taboo.



These concerns often come from a good place – wanting to protect family members and keep holiday gatherings focused on togetherness rather than winning and losing. Some families also worry that betting pools, even small ones, might be a problem for relatives who have struggled with gambling in the past.



The good news is that many families have found ways to enjoy betting pools while keeping things safe and comfortable for everyone. The key is setting clear ground rules from the start. Successful family pools often stick to small stakes – maybe $1 per game or using point systems instead of money.



Some families create "fun currencies" like holiday tokens or special family monopoly money, keeping the excitement of competition while avoiding real gambling. They also make sure everyone knows it's perfectly fine to watch and cheer without placing bets, ensuring no one feels pressured to participate. 



When families focus on making memories rather than making money, holiday betting pools can be a positive addition to their traditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Tips for Starting a Holiday Betting Pool</h2>



Want to start a holiday betting pool with your family? Here's how to create a fun and stress-free experience that everyone can enjoy.



Start with Something Simple Pick contests that don't require deep sports knowledge to participate. A straightforward "pick the winner" format for Thanksgiving football games lets everyone join in, even if they don't know a touchdown from a field goal. Create fun categories like "Which team's mascot would win in a dance contest?" or "Who will score first?" to keep things light and entertaining.



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Set Family-Friendly Rules Keep stakes low -- maybe $5 for the whole day of games, or use a point system instead of money. Create clear age guidelines, like having kids under 18 use a points-only system while adults can opt for small-dollar bets. Write down all the rules and share them before the holiday so everyone knows what to expect. Remember to include a "no pressure" rule – anyone can watch and cheer without betting.</li>



<li>Make Technology Your Friend -- Take advantage of free apps and websites that handle all the tricky parts of running a pool. Apps like <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CBS Sports</a>, <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yahoo Sports</a>, or ESPN offer easy-to-use pool features where family members can make picks right from their phones. For a more personal touch, create a family group chat where everyone can share their picks and react to the games together.</li>



<li>Add Special Family Twists Create categories unique to your family -- maybe "Dad's Bold Prediction" or "Grandma's Gut Feeling" that earn bonus points. Consider making a special trophy or crown that gets passed around each holiday to the winner. Take plenty of pictures of the winner each year to create a fun family betting hall of fame.</li>



<li>Plan for Remote Relatives -- Include family members who can't be there in person by setting up video calls during key moments or creating a shared online space where everyone can post reactions. Make sure to pick apps or websites that work well for less tech-savvy relatives so nobody feels left out.</li>



<li>Keep Score in Style -- Create a fun way to track everyone's progress throughout the day. Maybe use a big poster board with everyone's names and picks, or create a digital scoreboard that you can share on the TV screen. Consider giving out small prizes for different categories like "Best Comeback" or "Most Creative Pick" to keep everyone engaged even if they're not winning overall.</li>
</ol>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Predictions for the Future of Holiday Sports Betting Traditions</h2>



The future of family holiday betting pools looks as high-tech as a new smartphone and as comfortable as your favorite holiday sweater. As artificial intelligence and apps get smarter, family pools might soon include features like automatic odds adjustments based on who's playing, or personalized prop bets created just for your family's interests.



Imagine an app that knows Uncle Steve always picks the underdog, or that Cousin Maria has a perfect record when it comes to predicting overtime games. These smart systems could make pools even more entertaining by creating custom categories that match each family's unique betting style.



Holiday betting pools are already breaking free from just sports predictions. Families are creating pools around everything from guessing which Thanksgiving dish will run out first to betting on how many times grandpa will tell his favorite holiday story.



Some families are running Oscar prediction pools during holiday gatherings, while others are making friendly wagers on holiday baking competitions or seasonal reality TV shows. This trend suggests that the future of holiday betting pools isn't just about touchdowns and three-pointers – it's about finding new ways to make any family activity more engaging.



Looking ahead, putting together the family betting pool might become as natural as hanging stockings or lighting the menorah. As younger generations who grew up with fantasy sports and betting apps become parents and grandparents themselves, these tech-savvy traditions will likely become even more ingrained in holiday celebrations.



But unlike many modern traditions that keep people glued to their phones, these betting pools seem to be doing something special – they're using technology to bring families closer together, creating shared experiences that bridge generational gaps and keep far-flung relatives connected during the holidays.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion to Holiday Betting Pools</h2>



Holiday traditions are like family recipes – they get better when you add your own special ingredients to the mix. Sports betting pools are becoming that extra dash of spice in many family gatherings, creating exciting new ways to enjoy time-honored traditions. From Thanksgiving football to Christmas Basketball to New Year's Day bowl games, these friendly competitions are writing a new chapter in the story of how families celebrate together.



The key to success isn't about how much money is won or lost – it's about creating moments that bring smiles to faces and give everyone something to look forward to each holiday season. Whether your family sticks to simple pick'em contests or creates elaborate prediction games, the real victory comes from the shared excitement, the playful trash talk, and the stories you'll tell for years to come.



The best holiday betting pools are like the best family traditions: they welcome everyone, create lasting memories, and give people reasons to stay connected, even when they're miles apart.



Do you participate in holiday betting pools? Whether you're a seasoned pool organizer or thinking about starting your first family competition, there's always room for new ideas and traditions. Share your experiences with other families – maybe your creative betting categories or fun twist on classic games will inspire others to start their own holiday traditions. After all, the best part about family traditions is that they're always growing and changing, just like families themselves.

How Holiday Betting Pools Are Changing Family Sports Traditions

Yu Darvish is starting for the Padres on Friday, and they will be looking to turn things around, as they have lost two in a row and are 91-68 overall. The Diamondbacks are 88-71 and they have Merrill Kelly on the mound. This one is being played at Chase Field in Phoenix.

Both teams are 3-2 in their last five games, and the Diamondbacks are favored on the money line, with the odds sitting at -132 compared to the Padres at +110. The over/under line is sitting at 9 runs.<h3>ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS VS SAN DIEGO PADRES BETTING PICK</h3>The Pick: Arizona Diamondbacks Moneyline -132This game will be played at Chase Field at 9:40 ET on Friday, September 27th.<h3>HOW TO BET THE PADRES VS DIAMONDBACKS:</h3><ul><li>We have the Diamondbacks winning by a score of 6 to 5</li><li>However, if you're looking for a run line pick, we like the Padres to cover</li><li>As for an over/under pick, we have this game finishing with 11 runs and like the over</li></ul><h3>Padres Records & Stats</h3>The Padres will be looking to get back on track after closing out their series vs. the Dodgers with a 7-2 loss. This was especially tough, as it was the Padres who held a lead going into the 7th inning before the Dodgers scored five runs in the bottom of the 7th. San Diego was the -110 favorite on the money line going into the game.

Joe Musgrove was excellent for the Padres, going 6 1/3 innings and giving up just two earned runs, and striking out six. However, the Padres couldn't close things out, and Tanner Scott took the loss out of the bullpen. The Padres also wasted a big game from Manny Machado, who went 3/4 with a run scored.Heading into today's road matchup vs. the Diamondbacks, the Padres are 91-68 overall, putting them four games behind the Dodgers for the NL West lead. San Diego lost the final two games of their series vs. the Dodgers. So far, they have gone 25-24 in divisional games.

This season, the Padres have been good both at home and on the road. They are 45-36 at home compared to a 46-32 mark on the road. As the favorite, the Padres are 60-43 and 31-25 as the underdog. San Diego's overall series record is 30-16-6, and they are coming off winning seven of their last ten games.San Diego has been a solid run line bet on the road this season, going 49-29, and they have covered the run line in three straight games as an underdog. The Padres' average run margin in winning games is +3.6, while their average run margin in losing games is -3.4.The San Diego Padres are on the road against the Arizona Diamondbacks today. The over/under line for the game is set at 9 runs. The Padres have an over/under record of 81-74 on the season, with the average combined run total in their games sitting at 8.8. When the over/under line is set at 9 runs, their record is 6-4. Only 9.4% of their games have had over/under lines set at 9 runs or higher.Right-hander Yu Darvish gets the start for the Padres today as he faces the Diamondbacks on the road. He has made 15 starts this season and has a record of 6-3 with an ERA of 3.18. Darvish's WHIP for the season is currently 1.06. In his 15 appearances, he has turned in five quality starts and is averaging 8.72 strikeouts per nine innings. Darvish most recently pitched on September 22nd, where he finished with a no-decision, going 6 1/3 innings and giving up two earned runs on three hits. Before that outing, he had won two straight starts.
San Diego comes into today's game as the league's top hitting team, with a team batting average of .264. They are also one of the league's top home run hitting teams, and their 4.7 runs per game is good for 8th in the league. The Padres have been even better on the road this season, averaging 5 runs per contest.

Manny Machado and Jurickson Profar have been the Padres' top power threats this season, with Machado's 29 homers leading the team and Profar right behind him at 24. Machado's 104 RBIs is also the best mark on the team. Over his last five games, Fernando Tatis Jr. has gone 6/19 with two home runs.<h3>Diamondbacks Records & Stats</h3>Pavin Smith was a big reason why the Diamondbacks closed out their series vs. the Giants with an 8-2 win. He went only 1/1, but it was a three-run homer in the 2nd inning. The Diamondbacks really broke things open with a four-run 2nd. Looking at the betting lines going into the game, the Diamondbacks were at -257 at home.

Zac Gallen started for the Diamondbacks, going six innings and giving up just one run on two hits. He also issued only two walks and struck out 11 Giants batters. Arizona's bullpen closed things out with two scoreless innings, and the Diamondbacks's offense added another three runs in the 8th.With an overall record of 88-71, the Diamondbacks trail the Dodgers by seven games in the NL West. Currently, they are 3rd in the division standings and have gone 27-22 against other teams in the NL West. Arizona is playing at home today, hosting the Padres, who are 4.0 games behind the Dodgers and lead the Diamondbacks by three games.

At home, the Diamondbacks are 43-35 this year, and they are above .500 at 45-36 on the road. As the favorite, Arizona has gone 52-32 this year and 36-39 as the underdog. They will be looking to get back on track today, as they lost the series to the Giants 2-1 and are just 5-5 in their last 10 games.Arizona has a run line record of 83-76 this season, with a run differential of +0.6 runs per game. They have been better against the run line on the road, going 48-33 compared to 35-43 at home. They have been a better bet as the underdog, going 47-28 compared to 36-48 as the favorite.Arizona is 19-11-4 when the over/under line is set at 9 runs, and the Diamondbacks have gone over the total in two straight games. The D-backs have played 63.5% of their games with an over/under line set at 9 runs or lower, and their combined run average is 10.4 runs per game this season.Through 12 starts, Merrill Kelly has a record of 5-0 and an ERA of 3.71 for the Diamondbacks. He has made five quality starts this season and is coming off a game in which he didn't allow a run. In that outing vs. the Brewers, Kelly went five innings, picking up the win. Before that, he had two straight outings in which he didn't allow a homer. Kelly's ERA for the season is 3.71, and his WHIP is 1.13. Looking at his home/away splits, Kelly is 3-0 on the road with a 3.98 ERA compared to 2-0 at home with a 3.80 ERA.For the season, the Diamondbacks are the best offense in the league, averaging 5.5 runs per game. They have also been the best home run hitting team in the league, while batting a collective .263, which is the 2nd best mark in the MLB. As a team, they are also the league leaders in on-base percentage and OPS.

Ketel Marte has been swinging a hot bat of late, going 9/23 in his last seven games, with three homers and six RBIs. For the season, he is batting .294 with a team-high 35 homers. Eugenio Suarez is also a big power threat in the lineup, as he has gone deep 29 times this season, and his 98 RBIs are 11th best in the league.

San Diego Padres vs Arizona Diamondbacks Betting Pick & Prediction 9/27/24