I say go back to 1-16. It was done before many times. Who cares about travel? They are pros at this by now. To me, it’s the fairest way by far. No way we all in the east should be punished to play better teams just because they are closer.
tou wanna know what’s best to grow a sport? A final of serious rivalries. Every other sport does this except us (not sure if basketball does because I watch none of that)