There are only 9 teams that have 40+ wins.....the Rockets got 9th in the West Yao's first year with something like 45 wins, so actually, it's very much possible for 9+ teams to have 40+ wins. All that means is that there will be less teams in the East with 40+ wins.
Actually, let me rephrase that....all that means is that the teams in the West that are UNDER .500 will be farther under if there are a bunch of teams that are over .500. Sorry, normally this wouldn't be so confusing but I've already worked 35 hours this week and it's only Wednesday.