Expect Celtics to cover, even series with Heat

It's a new week here at Bark Bets, and the postseason remains center-stage for tonight's action. We have a trio of Game 4s to enjoy. In the NBA, two teams have a chance to tie the series at two, while in hockey, the two-time defending champs can wrap up a commanding sweep and advance to the next round.

Boston aims to even the series at home - The Celtics are down 2-1 in their series against the Heat thanks to a sloppy, turnover-prone game on Saturday night. Boston finished Game 3 with 23 turnovers, which led to 33 points off turnovers for Miami. In a six-point loss, it's hard to look anywhere else but those mistakes for the defeat. We're banking on Boston remedying that uncharacteristic performance to knot this series at two games apiece. Bet on Boston to cover the -6 and put in a commanding effort. Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry are currently questionable to suit up, which only further moves the needle in our confidence meter. (Update: Butler is still questionable, but is on track to play, according to the Heat.)

Tampa Bay looks to sweep Florida and advance to Eastern Conference Final - There hasn't been much doubt in this series; Tampa Bay is just the better team between these two Eastern Conference teams. Florida has not gotten anything going on the offensive end and has had no answer for the Lightning. We're not expecting that to change; a sweep seems imminent. Back the Lightning at home, with their moneyline set at a reasonable -125.

Jordan Binnington out for the rest of Round 2 - Colorado took Game 3 on the road in this series, but the headline was that after a collision early in Saturday's contest, Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington will not return this round. Binnington was having a strong postseason, and his absence opens the gates for this Colorado offense. On the road in these playoffs, the Avalanche have poured on goals, averaging just under six per game. We're rolling with Colorado to take control of this series tonight and betting the Avs to cover the -1.5 puckline at +155.

In other news...

Justin Thomas comes into Sunday at +3100 to win, takes home his second PGA Championship - Entering Sunday down seven strokes and +3100 to win, Justin Thomas climbed back with a five-under 67, and with some help from the field - especially Mito Pereira - found himself in a playoff with Will Zalatoris. Thomas took home the win with birdies on the first two holes of the three-hole playoff, the second major of his career, both of which have been PGA Championships. The next major is the US Open in a few weeks, and Thomas is currently +1400 to win the event.

Warriors one win away from NBA Finals - Golden State has taken a commanding 3-0 series lead over Dallas after a 109-100 win on Sunday night. It's certainly hard to imagine the Mavericks winning this series. With the Warriors' Finals appearance all but stamped, their betting odds have shifted like crazy. Golden State is now -155 to win the Finals, and Steph Curry is +100 to win Finals MVP. Stay patient here with Warriors futures. The market should reset to a more favorable position once the matchup is established, as there is no value in these wagers right now.

Early Voting Wins Preakness - Early Voting (5-1) took home the win at Saturday's Preakness Stakes, followed by Epicenter, the horse's second straight second-place finish. Attention turns now to the Belmont Stakes, where Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike will return to the field. Epicenter is doubtful to return for the third major race of the year, and early odds have Mo Donegal as the current favorite at +225. At +500 it's hard to not like Rich Strike to put a wrap on this historic year.

Today's Bark Bets is written by Griffin Carroll