I am super confused. So, you have a problem (to use your own words) with there being no path in 8 games for the Pelicans to be guaranteed a playoff birth?
Your sentence (word for word) was: My problem with the whole situation is that whether or not the Pels make the playoffs is pretty much out of their hands.
Which is not true. It actually is in their own hands. The only scenario in which they dont control their destiny is if the Blazers go 8-0 and Grizz go 5-3 or better. Which has about a 1 in 800 chance of happening.
But, if thats how you feel - its all good. I just wanted to make sure that other posters know that the Pels destiny is in their own hands