It's no secret that the Pelicans are a team to be reckoned with this season, and everyone is expecting a big improvement on last year's performance. Still, I think New Orleans is underrated, getting points at home against the Mavs tonight.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Anthony Davis - The 21 year old averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds last season, and it appears the sky is the limit for how good he's going to be. He led the league in blocks last year, and he scored 26 points with 17 boards and four blocks in the season opener.

2. Omar Asik - With the addition of Asik, the Pelicans will own the glass on most nights. That was certainly the case against Orlando, with both Davis and Asik finishing with 17 boards a piece.

3. X-Factor - The youth and energy of the home team could prove to be challenging for the Mavericks who are one of the league's oldest teams.

Selection: This is a play on the New Orleans Pelicans (10*)