The Dallas Mavericks may have made an early exit from last year's playoffs after squeaking into the postseason during the final games of the year, but the team takes solace in the fact that it was able to push the San Antonio Spurs to seven games and nearly stop their championship run before it ever began. Dallas was the only group to even challenge the defending champions, and a missed shot here or there was the difference between moving on to the second round and being eliminated early.

Dallas believes it has the type of veteran squad that can win a championship based on the Spurs' blueprint of excellent coaching from Rick Carlisle, superstar play from Dirk Nowitzki, and effective production from its deep roster of role players. Dallas lost multiple players over the summer but went out and grabbed just as much talent back with a key trade to go along with its solid free-agency signings. Let's take a closer look at Dallas' 2014 futures odds with predictions and analysis.

2014 Dallas Mavericks Betting Story Lines

Dallas struggled at points last season-if you can call 49 wins struggling-because of its makeshift roster that was overrun with wing players and lack of an inside presence to anchor the defense and allow it to truly compete in a Western Conference that saw a 48-win team miss the playoffs. The organization has struggled since its title win in 2011, mainly because owner Mark Cuban decided not to bring back Tyson Chandler and let him walk during free agency. Dallas' title squad was built around Chandler and Nowitzki, and letting the center go ruined the team's chances of making a multi-year title run.

Cuban has since expressed his regret at letting Chandler leave the very next season, and as a result he jumped at the chance to bring the all-star center back into the fold in an offseason trade with New York. The acquisition allows the Mavericks to spread the floor with shooters and still have a body in the paint guarding the rim and altering shots, similar to the way San Antonio employs its offensive system. Dallas believes that with Chandler back in the fold it can repeat its title success from a few seasons ago.

2014 Dallas Mavericks Additions and Departures

Key Additions: Tyson Chandler, Chandler Parsons, Jameer Nelson, Raymond Felton

Key Departures: Shawn Marion, Jose Calderon, Vince Carter

Dallas lost three key players over the summer with the departures of Marion, Calderon and Carter, but it wasted no time replacing them with additions of Chandler and Parsons. The organization also took a gamble signing guards Nelson and Felton, who have been solid players in the past but have struggled to produce on a consistent basis over the last few seasons. Felton in particular had a world of potential, and maybe it was his stop with the ever-dysfunctional Knicks that slowed his progress. Dallas is hoping that its veteran coaching and leadership can help rehabilitate both players.

2014 Dallas Mavericks Futures Odds

NBA Title Odds: +2500

Western Conference Odds: +1000

Division Odds: +600

Win Total: O/U 50

MVP Odds: Dirk Nowitzki +30000

There are certain players that an organization can build a championship team around, and Nowitzki has proven to be one of them, even at this point in his career. The seven-footer can still dominate and most importantly can create offense late in games, which is the difference between the good players and the great ones. Dallas' title and Western Conference odds may be the most enticing in the entire NBA simply because they have all the ingredients to make a Cinderella-type run throughout the postseason.

The squad's division odds are not great, as most experts believe the Spurs will produce another 58- to 60-win season, while the Mavericks do not need to approach those numbers to think about making a title run. Dallas improved on last year's 48-win team and should be able to win 54 games this season and go "over" its win total fairly easy.

2014 Dallas Mavericks Predictions and Futures Odds Picks

Record: 54-28

Playoffs: Second-round playoff appearance

If there is any team in the league that can win a title while receiving long shot odds, it's Dallas. The squad has all the right tools to make a deep playoff run and is one of the few groups with enough experience to match the Spurs. Most experts do not expect Dallas to win a title or make a deep playoff run, but that does not mean wagering on its futures odds is without value. The Mavericks are a live, long shot, contender, and every one of its futures odds is a solid wager. If the team starts off the season under-the-radar ATS-wise, betting on them could turn into a great way to make a profit on the spread.

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