The Big Question at Mullanes: the Oscars, or the Knicks?

They're wrestling with a question for the ages at Mullanes: do they watch the Oscars, or the New York Knicks when they take on the despised Miami Heat?

The watering hole is abuzz as the owners of Fort Greene's only sports bar find themselves having to pick between the Super Bowl of Showbiz, or the first of many showdowns between the Evil Empire from South Beach and the new-look Knickerbockers.

The general manager of the bar, Todd Sample, said that he had planned out their annual Oscar party, but realized he had a problem on his hands when a huge crowd showed up on Wednesday night for Carmelo Anthony’s debut against the Milwaukee Bucks.

“We committed ourselves to this Oscars night. The host dresses up in a tuxedo, some patrons dress up, there are ballots and prizes,” said Sample. “But now, the Knicks are good! And there’s Carmelo — last night was electric!”

Barflies have gotten in on the discussion, too.

“The Oscars go longer than the game — there is all that filler, like best costume, best score,” said Eric Burnside, who was admittedly biased, considering he was wearing a Knicks cap at lunchtime on Thursday. “Watch the beginning of the game, see if they’re going to get blown out — we’ve competed against Miami this season!”

Burnside added that he had no problem with flipping over to the Oscars when they announce who wins best picture.

For now, Sample and the bar owners, David and Dirdre Finnegan, have a plan in place. They’ll have the sound on for the Oscars, but will also tune several muted televisions to the big game.

But Sample admitted he’ll be dealing with a fluid situation.

“Knicks fan are new for us, we might get overrun,” he said. “Maybe no one cares about the Oscars anymore and everyone is going for the Knicks.”