*8* SURE SHOT on Brooklyn Nets.

The Portland Trail Blazers won eight of their last nine leading up to the All Star break and they've won two since the restart, including a dominant 137-105 win against the Warriors. I think they're too big favorites when hosting the Brooklyn Nets Tuesday night though, and I'm taking the points on the visitors.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. The Nets' Recent Games - Brooklyn has been competitive lately alternating wins and losses over its last six games as interim coach Tony Brown has worked wonders with the team, particularly on the defensive end.

2. Brook Lopez - The Trail Blazers will most likely hold a big advantage from outside the perimeter, but the Nets' center Brook Lopez might very well dominate the key. He scored 25 points in a 116-104 home loss to the Trail Blazers on Jan. 15 and he dished out six assist while scoring 16 points with 10 boards in Sunday's 104-96 loss to the Hornets.

3. X-Factor - The Nets are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a straight up loss.

Selection: This is a play on the Brooklyn Nets (8*)