Every day the Gazette sports staff will publish its best bets:

1. Nuggets (+5.5, -110) at Lakers: Los Angeles probably wins Game 3 but I really think Denver keeps it close. 

2. Panthers at Hurricanes (ML, -160): Carolina bounces back after its 4OT loss in Game 1.

3. Panthers-Hurricanes under 5.5 goals (+100): After a marathon Game 1, Game 2 could be a low-scoring one. 

-Odds from SuperBook Colorado

(Chris Schmaedeke’s Best Bets record ATS: 137-125)

Nuggets Bruce Brown knocks the ball away from Lakers LeBron James in the 2nd quarter of game 2 of the Western Conference Finals at Ball Arena on Thursday, May 18, 2023. (Photo by Jerilee Bennett, The Gazette)