East-West Decision Prediction: ESPN uses horoscope to predict the Knicks’ Pacers and Thunder’s Timberwolves

NBA News: ESPN uses horoscopes to predict the Knicks against the Pacers, Thunder against the Timberwolves

ESPN combines astrology and data analysis to predict the Knicks, Pacers, Timberwolves and Thunder’s games before the NBA East-West Finals.

NBA Eastern Conference Finals kicked off this week, and although most reports rely on data and matchups, ESPN has taken a different approach. In a recent analysis, ESPN's Neil Payne combined data analysis with astrology to use horoscopes to evaluate the synergy between the New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers and Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder. The first game of the Western Conference Finals between the Timberwolves and Thunder will be aired on ESPN on Tuesday at 8:30 pm ET. The Knicks and Pacers will start the Eastern Conference Finals at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

Payne evaluated each team's core lineup from a constellation perspective and compared planetary operations with playoff performance.

Tyres Halliburton leads the balanced Pacers

Indiana Pacers are led by

Tyres Halliburton, born on February 29, 2000, Pisces. Payne described the Pacers defender as a leader who is more instinctive than self-driven, noting that astrological factors such as Mercury’s position and Scorpio’s full moon echoed a period of highly clear in the water sign.

"Halliburton's all-around vision and game feel... helped one of the fastest and most creative teams in the NBA to control the pace of the game," Payne wrote.

Although Halliburton ranked fourth in the team in terms of usage, he averaged 18.7 points and 8.2 assists in the playoffs. His teammate lineup also brings diverse elements to the team. Pascal Siakam and Miles Turner, both Aries, bring passionate confidence; Andrew Nemhard (Capricorn) is disciplined and calm in organization; while Aaron Nesmith (Libra) plays the role of a coordinator, balancing defense and space.

Therefore, the Pacers prefer collective output rather than star rank. Their offensive rhythm leads the playoffs and also ranks second in effective shooting percentage. ESPN's Basketball Strength Index (BPI) shows that the Pacers have a slight advantage in this series, with a probability of promotion as high as 52.4%.

Virgo Knicks overcome many difficulties under the leadership of Jaylen Brunson

At the same time, the Knicks are coached by Jaylen Brunson, a Virgo born on August 31, 1996. According to Payne, Brunson embodies the typical traits of Virgo—focus, strength and stability. This season's playoffs, he averaged 30.6 points per game and led the New York team to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.

Payne pointed out: "As Mercury enters Taurus, the full moon in Scorpio opens the third house of communication. At this moment, Virgos need to remain focused, speak actively and sharp in the chaos."

The Knicks' lineup is not suitable for the local environment: Josh Hart (Pisces), Carl Anthony Towns (Scorpio), Mikal Bridges (Virgo) and OG Anunobi (Cancer). Payne believes the team is emotionally stable and down-to-earth. Hart's influence often goes beyond statistics, with his Raptors rating of +2.4 in the playoffs. Towns, who joined the offseason, averaged 19.6 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, bringing the team the strength of a Scorpio player. His performance in the playoffs is comparable to that of the Western Conference team he played for before.

Knicks only had a goal difference of +11 in 12 games in the playoffs, but they found a way to survive with their tough defense and timely contributions.

Anthony Edwards helps the Timberwolves

In the Western Conference, the Timberwolves' leading figure is Anthony Edwards, who was born on August 5, 2001, Leo. Payne notes that Mars is in Leo, which strengthens Edwards’ self-confidence and leadership in the fire signs that are born with. Edwards averaged 26.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists in the playoffs, making him the pillar of the Timberwolves' offense and defense.

Pain wrote: "The question of whether Edwards can lead the team to win is dissipating," referring to Mars having stepped out of the shadow of retrograde. "What remains is the ambitions needed to turn potential into the reality of winning the championship." The core lineup of the Minnesota Timberwolves includes Julius Randle (Saker), Rudy Gobert (Cancer), and two Libra players - Jaden McDaniels and Mike Conley. Randall's average score in the playoffs has increased to nearly 24 points, while Gobert is consistent with Cancer's defensive instinct and serves as the main defensive force. The two Libra players provide the team with a stable and balanced offense, with Conley's experienced leadership temperament and McDaniels' efficient outside defense forming a close support. The Thunder are in a clear mood, Shea Gilgers-Alexander leads the championship competition

Shay Gilgers-Alexander, born on July 12, 1998, Cancer, leading the No. 1 seed Thunder. The MVP finalist averaged 27.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game, while continuing to accurately foul and control the rhythm.

"It was a moment for him to show his strength," wrote Payne, describing the Cancer defender as a player who leads the team with emotional responsibilities and creativity and resilience. The

Thunder's rotation includes Jaylen Williams (Aries), Alex Caruso (Pisces), Carson Wallace (Scorpio) and Chet Holmgren (Taurus). Payne describes this team as a perfect combination of fire, earth and water. Williams still brought confidence energy despite shooting below the average 25.4% of the three-point shooting percentage; while Homegren is the team's blocking champion and has a solid defense at the basket. Caruso is a defensive backbone, reflecting Pisces' selfless tenacity; while Wallace adds a young and calm temperament to Scorpio players.

Therefore, the Thunder entered this series with the highest BPI prediction of all remaining teams - the probability of defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves and advancing to the NBA Finals is as high as 82.8%.

ESPN analyzes playoff matches, and astrology adds new dimensions

NBA playoffs usually revolve around matchups, shooting charts and various indicators, while Payne's article examines this year's semi-finals from an unconventional perspective. Regardless of whether the planetary arrangement determines the outcome of the game, each team’s unique personality and performance combination is now being analyzed from the perspective of the earth and the universe. The first game between the Timberwolves and Thunder will be held Tuesday at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Knicks will face the Pacers at home at Madison Square Garden the next night.