Dodgers vs. Padres Game 4 Prediction, Odds: NLDS best bets, tips

There's an argument to be made that Wednesday's MLB playoff slate is the most intriguing of the entire season, as baseball fans will see four key matchups in the divisional round.

The night winner in San Diego offers one of two potential final games on the day, with the Dodgers looking to stave off elimination and force a decisive Game 5 against the Padres.

The Padres were my pick to make the playoffs. They were +1200 long shots back then, but after beating the Dodgers in Game 3, they are the favorites (+270, FanDuel), ahead of the Yankees (+320) and Mets (+550).

San Diego would like nothing more than to end the series at home, while the Dodgers look to bring the series back to winner-take-all Chavez Ravine on Friday.

Since both teams are super motivated, you can expect big fireworks again on Wednesday evening.

Dodgers vs. Padres Game 4 NLDS odds

Dodgers vs Padres prediction

Thanks to several pitchers with notable injuries, including Tyler Glasnow and Gavin Stone, the Dodgers' starting rotation looked underwhelming entering the NLDS.

Los Angeles' lack of qualified starters was the main reason the Padres became a popular choice to knock off their in-state rival, but no one could have imagined what actually transpired in the first three games of the series.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Jack Flaherty and Walker Buehler posted a 10.13 ERA in just 13 1/3 innings.

Now the Dodgers are opting for a bullpen game with Landon Knack expected to lead the parade of relievers in what could potentially be his first career playoff start.

If Dodgers fans want to look at things with a glass-half-full approach, Knack's 3.78 xERA and 104 Stuff+ suggest he could give them a better chance than Buehler did in Tuesday's 6-5 loss.

Buehler gave up six runs on seven hits in five innings.

A more pessimistic view would be that Knack is another righty, which was part of the problem for the Dodgers' entry into the series.

The Padres have been significantly less effective left-handed hitters this season, and LA doesn't have a starter to expose that flaw.

If the Dodgers drop this game and the series, a lot of the blame will fall on players like Mookie Betts, Max Muncy and Will Smith, who have now been involved in several playoff disappointments.

A possible early exit this year would be a different story, however, as the Dodgers' offense was effective against an elite San Diego pitching team.

They'll be hoping for more of the same if they get another hit from right-hander Dylan Cease, who allowed five earned runs in just 3 1/3 innings in Game 1.

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Dodgers vs. Padres selection

The Dodgers finished the regular season second in wRC+ against righties, one spot ahead of the Padres. Both offenses have shown great approach in this series, and I don't think either unit will be shut down by the starters on Wednesday.

I'm happy to bet on another shootout between these two teams and would bet on the game being over eight runs at under -125.

Pick: Over 8 (+100, BetMGM)

Why you should trust New York Post Betting

Nicholas Martin breaks down the NHL, MLB and NFL for the New York Post. He strives to include relevant game notes in articles to help bettors reach their own conclusions, but also has a 180-unit lead himself in verified picks on a sports betting app. You can find Nick on X @nickm_hockey.