Dodgers vs. Padres Prediction, Odds, Likely Pitchers for NLDS Game 3 (Trust Michael

The San Diego Padres got a three-hit game with two home runs from Fernando Tatis Jr. on Sunday night to even their series with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS.

Offense was the name of the game in this series, as Los Angeles scored seven runs in a 7-5 win in Game 1 before San Diego ranked 10th on the Dodgers' pitching staff in Sunday's 10-2 win.

Now the series moves to San Diego, where the Padres are heavily favored in Game 3 with Michael King – their Game 1 starter in the NL Wild Card – on the mound.

King was completely out of action last week against the Atlanta Braves, throwing seven innings with five hits and 12 strikeouts. Can he repeat that performance against Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani and that vaunted Dodgers lineup?

Here's a breakdown of the odds, key players to watch, and my best bet for Game 3.

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

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Los Angeles Dodgers

Walker Buhler: Walker Buehler, returning from Tommy John, struggled in 2024, but with a strong postseason he can turn all that around. Buehler allowed 16 home runs in 16 starts during the 2024 regular season, but he looked slightly better in September, posting a 4.44 ERA in five starts. In his final regular season game, he held San Diego to one run in five innings.

San Diego Padres

Fernando Tatis Jr: So Tatis is still one of the best players in baseball – in case you forgot. The Padres star has hit three home runs in four playoff games so far in 2024, going 9-of-14 with seven runs scored and five runs batted in. He's a pitcher's nightmare right now.

Will we watch the Dodgers lose in the NLDS again?

This Game 3 matchup isn't going well for Los Angeles, as Buehler has been terrible in 2024, allowing three or more runs in 12 of his 16 appearances, and now he has to contend with King.

The Padres ace was elite He posted a 2.07 ERA in 13 starts over the final three months of the regular season, helping San Diego to an 8-5 record in those games. He then delivered arguably his best performance of the year in the first game of the NL Wild Card against the Braves.

Since San Diego's offense has already scored 15 runs in two games of this series, I worry that the Dodgers will get through the first innings unscathed when Buehler's turn comes.

King allowed just one unearned run over 12 innings in his last two starts against the Dodgers during the regular season. Overall, the Padres posted a 19-12 record in his games, while the Dodgers only had a 9-7 record when Buehler took the mound.

I will support the home team in Game 3.

Pick: Padres Moneyline (-148)

Odds are updated regularly and are subject to change.

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