After struggling with enormous expectations and a few untimely injuries during the early part of his career, Washington Wizards franchise star John Wall may finally be ready to take his place near the top of the NBA point guard ladder. Wall had a break-out year of sorts last season by playing with more maturity while also improving his jump shot. As a result, Washington positioned itself as a rising contender in the East with a 44-38 record and fifth-place finish in the conference to go along with a first-round playoff series victory over Chicago.

The Wizards ended up losing a key player during the summer, but they were also able to add a veteran with championship experience to hopefully become the final piece of a puzzle that at least makes the organization a contender next this season. Let's take a closer look at Washington's futures odds with predictions and analysis.

2014 Washington Wizards Additions and Departures

Key Additions: Paul Pierce, DeJuan Blair

Key Departures: Trevor Ariza

Washington lost Trevor Ariza, a key contributor during last year's second-round playoff run, during free agency and, as a response, took a gamble on former NBA champion Paul Pierce. The veteran has visibly declined since his Boston days. However, if last season was any indication, Pierce still has enough left in the tank to be a key contributor and crunch-time option for the team. The Wizards also signed forward DeJuan Blair, who has struggled during the early part of his career and at this point is a reclamation project more than anything. Blair, however, does have talent and athleticism and could turn into a solid pickup for the organization.

2014 Washington Wizards Futures Odds

NBA Title Odds: +4000

Eastern Conference Odds: +1200

Division Odds: +180

Win Total: 47.5

MVP Odds: John Wall +8500

Washington is in the playoff mix and should continue to improve if Wall and Bradley Beal can continue to evolve into elite-level players. The team's core, which also includes Marcin Gortat and Nene, has a mix of young and experienced players that can play fast, up-tempo basketball while also slowing things down and dominating inside the paint. The Wizards have the potential to build something special in Washington if they can draft well and grab a solid free agent over the next few years. This season, however, will not be the squad's breakout year, and a five or six seed is probably the best that it can hope for at the moment. The Eastern Conference has suddenly improved over the last few years, and contending may not be cards for Washington in 2014. Expect the Pierce acquisition to not make much of an impact and in fact cause the team to stay "under" its 47.5 win total mark.

2014 Washington Wizards Predictions and Futures Odds

Record: 42-40

Playoff: first round appearance

Washington is not a true contender in the east, and wagering on its futures odds does not hold much value. The squad can win 45 games and maybe even win its division, which is suddenly open for the taking, but don't expect much from Washington during the playoffs. Where the team can succeed is during the regular season against the spread. Last season Washington produced a 50-42-1 ATS record (playoffs included) and excelled as an underdog where it produced an even better 32-18 mark during both the regular and postseasons. The Wizards can score, which will keep the team in games where they are receiving points, and are just young enough to play hard for an entire season. Wall and company may not be a true title contender, but the team could turn out to be an excellent ATS choice.

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