Check the records, they are almost every year. The last couple of years may have been the exception. The NBA lets too many teams into the playoffs. Same for the NHL. I understand why - most teams don't make money until the second round of the playoffs.
I would prefer that the Pistons fell out of the playoffs and into the lottery, then being Cleveland's first round sacrifice.
I will say this, there's a MUCH bigger chance that an 8 beats a 1 in the NHL than the NBA. The home advantage in the NBA is bigger than it is in any sport.
The two #1 seeds this year- Cavs and Lakers- are historically great! There's no way either falls victim to an 8 seed.