The Cincinnati Reds take on the Arizona Diamondbacks. Our MLB odds series has our Reds Diamondbacks prediction and pick. Find out how to watch Reds Diamondbacks.

The Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks both had moments of brilliance in the 2023 MLB season. The Reds won 12 straight and 20 of 24 games in the first half of their 2023 campaign to climb 10 games over .500 at 49-39 before they struggled in the second half of their season. When the Reds ascended last year and played electric baseball, no one believed they had fully arrived, but the talent on the roster emerged in a way it hadn't emerged before. There was a real sense that while the Reds were young and unproven, their struggles and hardships would toughen them up and make them a lot more prepared to make a legitimate run at a playoff spot in 2024.

The Arizona Diamondbacks started the 2023 season 41-25. Then they went into a tailspin right after the All-Star break and dipped under .500 before managing to rebound and end the season with 84 wins. The Diamondbacks, like the Reds, went through a lot of ups and downs and played the full 162-game schedule like a young team not quite ready for the bright lights. However, unlike the Reds, the D-Backs were able to win just enough to squeak into the playoffs due to a weak National League field. Arizona then played with house money in the playoffs and won the National League pennant. In that sense, Arizona entered the 2024 season on different footing compared to the Reds, but in terms of regular-season performance, these teams weren't that different in 2023. They both hoped to make significant improvements in 2024. So far, neither team has been able to do that. Entering this midweek series in Phoenix, both teams are under .500, trying to find a spark and trying to hit consistently. Neither team has been steady and dependable at the plate, and this offensive dry spell needs to come to an end. We will see if one of these teams can get going. Last week in Cincinnati, the D-Backs swept the Reds, so there is more pressure on the Reds to get something done in Phoenix.

Here are the Reds-Diamondbacks MLB odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

MLB Odds: Reds-Diamondbacks Odds

Cincinnati Reds: +1.5 (-205)

Arizona Diamondbacks: -1.5 (+168)

Over: 7.5 (-115)

Under: 7.5 (-105)

How To Watch Reds vs. Diamondbacks

TV: Bally Sports Ohio (Reds) / Major League Baseball (Diamondbacks) / MLB Extra Innings

Stream: MLB.TV

Time: 9:40 p.m. ET/6:40 p.m. PT

*Watch Reds-Diamondbacks LIVE on fuboTV (click for a free trial)*

Why The Reds Could Cover The Spread

The Reds have played a lot of bad baseball recently. That might seem like a reason to pick against them, but remember: They got swept three games by Arizona last week in Ohio. Usually, when any two baseball teams play several games against each other, the lesser team will win at least once or twice. The Reds are due for a win against Arizona. The Reds are also due for a good spell, much as the Colorado Rockies — after being 8-28 in their first 36 games — won four straight. It doesn't mean the Reds are good; it means that even bad teams are going to play well at some point. That's why the Reds will win.

Why The Diamondbacks Could Cover The Spread

The Diamondbacks have Jordan Montgomery on the mound. Monty has been rock-solid as a starter for the D-Backs so far this season after being acquired in free agency. He will take the ball and go at least six innings, sometimes seven, and limit damage to opponents. If Arizona scores five runs, it should be able to cover on the run line. The Reds' offense has struggled a lot. It struggled against Arizona's pitching last week. There's no reason to think that won't continue here.

Final Reds-Diamondbacks Prediction & Pick

The Diamondbacks are a better team, and Jordan Montgomery is the better starting pitcher in this game. Take Arizona.

Final Reds-Diamondbacks Prediction & Pick: Diamondbacks -1.5