For fairness. Example: Pelicans take the 8th seed and Grizzlies suddenly went on 9th. They will have the opportunity to play against the 8th spot as long as there are only 4 wins differential.
Am I right?
Yes. The 9th seed would have a chance for 8th spot or last playoffs spot if they are just behind 4 games win on the 8th spot.
That would be decided in a twice-to-beat advantage of the 8th spot and win-or-go-home for the 9th spot.
Here, teams at the bottom should just need to target at least 8th spot or 9th spot in the standings so somehow be alive in playoffs position.
I like to see that in-play tournament and honestly, looking how closed the battle of the bottom on the West, it's likely to happen compared to East.