The New Orleans Pelicans are sitting on one of the brightest young prospects in the league and believe that 2011's No.1 draft pick Anthony Davis has the potential to be a franchise-saving player. Davis emerged as a superstar last season and into the summer with Team USA during the FIBA World Cup, where he was an integral part of the team and one of Coach Mike Krzyzewski's go-to players. Oklahoma City' superstar Kevin Durant even went so far as to say Davis is a future MVP and the next big NBA star.

Davis spent a large chuck of last season sitting on the bench with a broken hand, and the Pelicans as a group were ravaged by injury throughout the year, which stopped them from having the breakout campaign that many experts predicted. The 2014-15 season may be the year that New Orleans puts itself on the NBA map and lets the rest of the league know that a contender is rising down in the bayou. Let's take a closer look at the Pelicans' 2014 futures odds with predictions and analysis.

2014 New Orleans Pelicans Additions and Departures

Key Additions: Omer Asik, Jimmer Fredette, John Salmons

Key Departures: None

New Orleans made three excellent free agency pickups over the summer with the signings of Asik, Fredette and Salmons. Fredette struggled to earn playing time during his tenure is Sacramento, and a change of scenery could do wonders for his career and jump shot. If the long-range shooter can find a spot in New Orleans' rotation, the signing could be just what the team needed in order to make a mark in the crowed Western Conference. The additions of Asik and Salmons will add much-needed depth to New Orleans' frontcourt, which did not extend past Davis and was notoriously weak last season.

2014 New Orleans Pelicans Futures Odds

NBA Title Odds: +7000

Western Conference Odds: +3000

Division Odds: +2000

Win Total: O/U 43.5

MVP Odds: +1800

The Pelicans have quietly assembled a quality roster around Davis and could be a candidate for the NBA's best ATS record this season. The squad is receiving enticing futures odds simply because its franchise center is one of the best players in the league. Bettors, however, should not get head of themselves, because New Orleans is still a couple of seasons away from inserting itself into the playoff picture and chasing an NBA title. There are simply too many good teams in the Western Conference for the Pelicans odds to have true value.

Expect 40-something wins out of New Orleans this season, with "under" 43.5 probably being the way to go on the team's win total. Davis should be a Top 5 MVP candidate, and do not be surprised to see the center put up the best numbers of his career. Do not be surprised of New Orleans becomes one of the higher-scoring groups in the league with capable scores like Davis, Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans leading the way. During the 2013-14 season the Pelicans averaged nearly 100 points while never playing at full strength.

2014 New Orleans Pelicans Predictions and Futures Odds Picks

Record: 42-40

Playoffs: No

New Orleans may not have much value on its futures odds wagers, but the team could turn into one of those squads that covers spreads and stays out of the limelight while doing it. Davis is a Top 10 player, and any time a team has someone that good they are always a threat to cover the spread, particularly if they are receiving points. The Pelicans have potential, talent and star power-expect them to be competitive every single night but ultimately fall short of a playoff appearance.

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