For modern NBA teams to compete at the highest level, a sophisticated system of scouting and analytics is essential to leverage every possible advantage and trend. However, a team`s successes and failures aren`t always fully explained by data alone. Sometimes, tapping into the cosmos and understanding the prevailing energy might help fill in the gaps.
This seems particularly relevant in the 2025 NBA playoffs, which rapidly devolved from seemingly predictable outcomes to utter chaos within just a few weeks. The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, widely considered Eastern Conference favorites all season, are now on extended summer breaks. The Oklahoma City Thunder narrowly avoided elimination against the Denver Nuggets before securing a Game 7 victory on Sunday. Amidst the historic upheaval of the second round, perhaps it`s only natural to look beyond traditional scouting reports and spreadsheets – turning our gaze upward to the stars, seeking meaning in a basketball universe that has defied all other methods of postseason forecasting so far.
With this in mind, it seemed fitting – and certainly insightful – to offer some cosmic guidance for each remaining contender based on the zodiac signs of their key players and what astrology suggests about their future championship prospects. The Eastern Conference Finals see the New York Knicks hosting the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 on Wednesday (8 p.m. ET, TNT/Max), while the Western Conference Finals tip off with the Thunder hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 on Tuesday (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
While I don`t claim to be a zodiac expert or a full-time astrologer, this NBA horoscope is intended to be entertaining while still incorporating observations about each team and player – drawing from both statistical performance and celestial insights.
Let`s explore what the stars have to say about the remainder of the playoffs.
Eastern Conference Finals
Indiana Pacers
⭐ Best player: Tyrese Haliburton (11.6 WAR)
Date of birth: Feb. 29, 2000 (♓ Pisces)
Astrological calendars suggest that May began with a sense of awakening for Pisces, and for Haliburton, this signifies embracing his most authentic self: an incredibly efficient offensive force who orchestrates the game through passing and shooting as much as scoring, leading with intuition rather than ego. Although his usage rate (22.2%) is fourth on the team in these playoffs, Haliburton`s exceptional court vision and feel for the game – qualities that cannot be taught but must be channeled – dictate the tempo for one of the NBA`s fastest and most inventive teams.
With Mercury and the Scorpio full moon opening pathways for connection and empowerment, Haliburton is called to trust his instincts, remain composed under pressure, and guide a squad that has already significantly altered the playoff landscape and shifted the energy in the East.
✨ The supporting stars:
- Pascal Siakam, ♈️ Aries
- Andrew Nembhard, ♑️ Capricorn
- Aaron Nesmith, ♎️ Libra
- Myles Turner, ♈️ Aries
This core group is defined by both contrast and remarkable chemistry. Siakam and Turner, both fiery Aries signs, exhibit complementary forms of assertiveness: Siakam is a top-tier shot creator and rebounder whose cardinal sign (Aries, the initiator of spring) fuels the Pacers` unpredictable offense, while Turner protects the paint with courage and flawless timing. Capricorn Nembhard is also a cardinal sign but fulfills a role aligned with his sign`s characteristics: disciplined, grounded, and quietly effective, with a low usage rate that belies his above-average playmaking, developing shooting touch (22-for-44 from 3 in the playoffs), and knack for defensive disruption.
Then there`s Nesmith, embodying a Libra, who acts as the team`s harmonizer, providing elite 3-and-D capabilities that bridge offense and defense. Collectively, this ensemble creates an elemental balance – fire (Siakam and Turner), earth (Nembhard), and air (Nesmith) – orbiting Haliburton`s watery offensive instincts and flow. Much like the Pacers` season itself, the synergy of this group makes the whole far more potent than the individual parts.
New York Knicks
⭐ Best player: Jalen Brunson (7.2 WAR)
Date of birth: Aug. 31, 1996 (♍️ Virgo)
The Knicks perfectly embody their star player, Jalen Brunson, whose Virgo traits – focused, determined, and incredibly hardworking – are propelling the franchise to the conference finals for the first time in 25 years. With his remarkable ability to create his own shot while remaining unselfish, Brunson serves as the meticulous engine driving New York`s surprising postseason run, even if he makes challenging plays look effortless.
His defensive contributions might not be as celebrated as his offensive prowess (he has a minus-2.0 defensive RAPTOR rating this postseason), but with Mercury entering Taurus on May 10 and the Scorpio full moon on May 12 activating the third house of communication, this period calls upon a Virgo`s strength to stay centered, vocal, and sharp amidst the intense playoff environment. Saturn`s movement into the house of transformation in late May and the Gemini new moon on May 26 signal a turning point, potentially directing Brunson`s continuous ascent (ongoing since his Villanova days) toward something even more significant: the legacy of a champion.
✨ The supporting stars:
- Josh Hart, ♓️ Pisces
- Karl-Anthony Towns, ♏️ Scorpio
- Mikal Bridges, ♍️ Virgo
- OG Anunoby, ♋️ Cancer
The Knicks` playoff success is fueled by a blend of water and earth signs, creating a team identity that is both grounded and emotionally adaptable. Hart, a Pisces, brings the classic creativity and empathy of a water sign: he`s tenacious, unselfish, and willing to do whatever is necessary, often contributing in ways not fully captured by basic box scores. (He boasts a plus-2.4 playoff RAPTOR rating despite averaging only 13.5 points per game, the lowest among Knicks starters.)
Towns channels the intense emotional current of a Scorpio`s need to prove himself – he is averaging 19.6 points and 11.3 rebounds for New York while his former team, the Timberwolves, is also in the conference finals. Bridges, a Virgo, adds another layer of quiet intensity, although his shooting has been inconsistent so far this postseason (29.3% from 3, 50.0 true shooting percentage). Anunoby, a Cancerian, provides tenacious perimeter defense and overall reliability, tapping into the sign`s protective instincts.
Together, the astrological composition of this squad – steady Earth signs anchoring emotional Water – is ideally suited for navigating playoff turbulence. While they may not overwhelm opponents (with a modest plus-11 point differential over 12 games), the Knicks consistently outlast them.
Astrological insights for Oklahoma City`s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Minnesota`s Anthony Edwards, Indiana`s Tyrese Haliburton, and New York`s Jalen Brunson ahead of the 2024-25 NBA conference finals. Illustration by ESPN.
Series Outlook: Eastern Conference
Indiana recently eliminated Cleveland, the East`s top seed, with surprising ease. As the stars align around Haliburton`s infectious positive energy, the Pacers appear less like a Cinderella story and more like a genuine force to be reckoned with.
Meanwhile, the Knicks just overcame the favored Celtics in six games, clearly tapping into something beyond mere statistics. (They were often seen as underdogs but fed off the Madison Square Garden crowd`s energy to dominate Boston at home in Game 6.) They will also hold home-court advantage against Indiana with a trip to the NBA Finals at stake. However, look for the Pacers` energy and `vibes` to be particularly strong, especially given their history of competitive matchups against New York.
BPI favorite: Pacers, 52.4%
Western Conference Finals
Minnesota Timberwolves
⭐ Best player: Anthony Edwards (11.2 WAR)
Date of birth: Aug. 5, 2001 (♌️ Leo)
Mars remains in Leo for the duration of the playoffs, and Anthony Edwards is clearly embracing his drive for leadership and recognition. The undeniable face of Minnesota`s playoff run is radiating fire-sign energy: bold, confident, and unafraid to dominate the spotlight with averages of 26.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. As Mars has fully moved past its retrograde shadow in Leo, any doubts about Edwards` capability to lead a winning team are dissolving; what remains is the unwavering ambition needed to transform immense potential into championship reality. With Mercury bringing career aspirations into sharp focus, Edwards must balance his undeniable on-court charisma and dynamism with questions of deeper emotional grounding. The new moon in Gemini challenges him to envision the future and consider if *now* is the moment he claims his destiny as a potential heir to the game`s greatest stars.
✨ The supporting stars:
- Jaden McDaniels, ♎️ Libra
- Rudy Gobert, ♋️ Cancer
- Julius Randle, ♐️ Sagittarius
- Mike Conley, ♎️ Libra
This Timberwolves roster successfully integrates fire, water, and air elements into a dynamic mix that somehow just works – each player reflecting a unique aspect of Minnesota`s impressive rise. Randle, another fire sign (Sagittarius), appears to be peaking at the ideal time, increasing his scoring output from the regular season (18.7 points per game) to the playoffs (23.9) and bringing an adventurous Sagittarian spirit to the front court. Gobert plays a contrasting role as a steady defensive anchor, embodying Cancer`s protective qualities within the paint.
The two Libras, McDaniels and Conley, provide balance in distinct ways: McDaniels as a remarkably efficient wing defender, and Conley as an experienced leader who holds everything together with the reliable presence expected from a former teammate of the year award winner. As a unit, they achieve elemental harmony: fire (Edwards, Randle), water (Gobert), and air (McDaniels, Conley), giving Minnesota the emotional range to play with intensity while also staying composed under pressure.
Oklahoma City Thunder
⭐ Best player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (19.8 WAR)
Date of birth: July 12, 1998 (♋️ Cancer)
May holds the potential for significant transformation for Cancer signs – and for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, these changes could be profound. The cornerstone of Oklahoma City`s franchise is silencing any remaining doubters, leading the team with his sign`s characteristic blend of intuition, creativity, and emotional intelligence on both ends of the court. While Gilgeous-Alexander`s 3-point percentage is 29.3% in these playoffs, he consistently finds ways to control the flow of games through craftiness and skill. (Recall the initial concerns that he wouldn`t be able to draw his signature foul calls in the postseason? His free throw rate is actually higher now than during the regular season.)
With Mars finally clearing its retrograde shadow, this moment is ripe for him to fully step into his power. However, this month`s moon cycles also pose a deeper question: Can Gilgeous-Alexander maintain emotional clarity and joy amidst the immense pressure of building a legacy? Cancer signs naturally carry a sense of responsibility and weight – and right now, Gilgeous-Alexander is carrying not just a franchise and a city, but perhaps even the future direction of the NBA.
✨ The supporting stars:
- Jalen Williams, ♈️ Aries
- Alex Caruso, ♓️ Pisces
- Cason Wallace, ♏️ Scorpio
- Chet Holmgren, ♉️ Taurus
Oklahoma City`s youthful core is built on both exceptional talent and a dynamic diversity of energy. Williams, an Aries, brings fire-sign aggression to the offense – characterized by high usage, strong efficiency, and defensive effort – even if his long-range shot (25.4% from 3) could be more consistent. Caruso, a veteran Pisces, serves as the team`s spiritual anchor, fearlessly defending and acting as the perimeter cornerstone for the Thunder`s league-leading defense.
Wallace, a second-year Scorpio, plays with maturity beyond his years – a quiet defensive disruptor who can reliably make a jump shot when needed. And Holmgren, the sole earth sign in this group, provides grounded consistency across the board, offering elite rim protection (a team-best 2.2 blocks per game) and a balanced two-way game that equips Oklahoma City`s fast-paced attack with an excellent outlet passer and a threat for lobs in transition. (You don`t need to be a Taurus to appreciate the beauty of a Williams-to-Holmgren alley-oop!) This cohesive group thrives on cosmic harmony: fire (Williams), earth (Holmgren), and water (Caruso, Wallace), all orbiting around the protective intuition of the Cancerian Gilgeous-Alexander.
Series Outlook: Western Conference
Oklahoma City just overcame the 2023 champion Nuggets with a decisive Game 7 victory. As the last remaining statistical powerhouse from the regular season, the path seems open for the Thunder to continue their ascent. Minnesota, however, has its own rise in mind, having eliminated strong opponents with surprising confidence so far.
Whether the break before the conference finals results in rust or beneficial rest, the stars suggest the Wolves are playing with both high confidence and cosmic alignment. Despite this, the Thunder are clearly favored in this matchup. Possessing the league`s top metrics and championship-level energy, Oklahoma City is determined to prove they are no longer merely a team of the future – they are the team of the present moment.
BPI favorite: Thunder, 82.8%
