Yeah it won't be so interesting at the EAST as Nets and Magic almost qualified already. Good thing for Pelicans is that they have two games against Grizzlies, and if they beat those two, their chances ain't bad, and I will certainly root for them as I would like to see Zion in the playoff.
One thing got me thinking though; since all games will be played at the same place, including the playoffs, that means top teams won't have any home advantage. Therefore, teams that already secured playoff might not push that hard in those 8 games, and might calculate a bit, resting the important players for the playoff. That also might affect race for playoff spot as it is not the same thing if you are playing vs Clippers that are resting Kawhi and PG.
One thing got me thinking though; since all games will be played at the same place, including the playoffs, that means top teams won't have any home advantage. Therefore, teams that already secured playoff might not push that hard in those 8 games, and might calculate a bit, resting the important players for the playoff. That also might affect race for playoff spot as it is not the same thing if you are playing vs Clippers that are resting Kawhi and PG.
Indeed, they might use different strategies. Like letting one team win for their own advantage.
Strengths and weaknesses will be seen or how many wins they made during the season against the team they will let to get the 8th spot.
Example: Lakers standing against Grizzlies is 3-1 in favor of Lakers.
Lakers vs Pelicans is 4-0 in favor of Lakers.
So they could make a strategy to let Pelicans win the 8th spot.
But this is just my assumption.
I don't think they need it. Just for other ranks maybe.