Pick #9: Keon Ellis o5.5 RAs (-115 Fanatics)

**Keon Ellis Poised for Strong Performance in Rebounds and Assists Against Boston Celtics**

As the Sacramento Kings gear up to face off against the Boston Celtics in an eagerly anticipated Friday night showdown, all eyes will be on Keon Ellis, whose contributions on both ends of the court could prove pivotal in determining the outcome of the game. With key players sidelined due to injuries, Ellis has emerged as a key figure in the Kings' lineup, and his performance in the rebounds and assists categories could hold the key to unlocking success for Sacramento.

Ellis has been a mainstay in the Kings' starting lineup, logging significant minutes on the court, particularly in the absence of key contributors such as Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk. With his minutes floor expected to be 25 or more, Ellis has demonstrated an ability to thrive when given extended playing time. In fact, he has gone over the 5.5 rebounds and assists threshold in 10 out of 13 games when playing 25 or more minutes this season, including a perfect 5 out of 5 when logging 30 or more minutes.

Despite the potential for a blowout in Friday's game, Ellis remains poised to make an impact in both the rebounds and assists categories. His versatility and tenacity on the court have enabled him to contribute across multiple facets of the game, making him a valuable asset for the Kings. Since the injury to Monk, Ellis has averaged an impressive 8.3 rebounds and assists per game, showcasing his ability to fill the stat sheet and make meaningful contributions to his team's success.

In their previous matchup against the Celtics earlier this season, Ellis demonstrated his ability to excel in both rebounds and assists, tallying 6 rebounds in just 19 minutes of playing time. With a larger role expected for Ellis in Friday's game, he should have ample opportunity to replicate and potentially exceed his previous performance against Boston.

As the Kings look to secure a crucial victory against the Celtics, Ellis is poised to play a central role in their game plan. With his ability to impact the game on both ends of the court and his track record of success when given significant playing time, Ellis represents a strong bet to go over the 5.5 rebounds and assists threshold in what promises to be an exciting matchup between two competitive teams.