Not long ago, the prospect of a four-game trip might have sent the Jazz retreating in terror.

But times change.

The Jazz are 15-14 on the road so far this season, heading into tonight's game at Chicago.

Utah has won eight of its last 10 road games, positioning itself to finish the season with a winning road record for the first time since 2000-01.

Not bad, considering the Jazz lost 10 of their first 15 on the road, capped by an 80-70 debacle at Miami on Dec. 23.

"We have more confidence on the road now," said Deron Williams. "We realize, if we come and create our own energy and play with intensity on defense and get stops, then we'll have a chance to win ballgames."

After playing the Bulls, the Jazz visit Detroit, Milwaukee and Oklahoma City. The trip matches their second-longest of the year.

With 20 games left in the regular season, the six-day swing through the Midwest will help determine if Utah can catch Denver in Northwest Division or finish in the top four in the Western Conference.

"We have to prove, not only to ourselves but to everyone else, that we can win on the road consistently," said Carlos Boozer. "This is a good test for our team. When the playoffs get here, we've got to win on the road. ... So we're looking forward to it."

At 40-22, the Jazz need one more win to clinch a .500 record for the 26th time in the last 27 seasons. Utah needs to go 10-10 to reach 50 wins or the third time in the last four years.

If the Jazz finish 15-5, they will reach 55 wins for the eighth time in franchise history, but the first time since 1999-2000.

"Every game is a big game now," said coach Jerry Sloan, "so you better get yourself ready to play them."

If there has been one outstanding characteristic of the Jazz's newfound ability to win on the road, it has been their ability to fight back. Utah rallied from a 25-point deficit during a 93-89 overtime win at Portland.

The Jazz trailed by 17 points at Phoenix last Thursday before winning, 116-108.

"We'd rather not have to come back," said Boozer. "We'd rather be ahead the whole game, of course. But we do have a lot of resiliency.

"We have a lot of faith and belief in what we're able to do. If we happen to be in that situation, we know we can come back and win the game."

The Jazz hope quicker starts on this trip will preclude the necessity of coming from so far behind.

"That's one thing we have to do," Sloan said. "... We can't wait to establish ourselves. We have establish ourselves right away."

The game in Chicago will be a homecoming for several members of the Jazz.

Williams played college basketball at Illinois, while Othyus Jeffers grew up in the neighborhood around the United Center.

Assistant coach Tyrone Corbin played at DePaul, and rookie Wesley Matthews played 90 miles up the road at Marquette.

"It's fun going back, but there's always more pressure on you," Sloan said. "Its hard to be involved in your family and get yourself ready to play, sometimes. The demands on your time are greater."

Said Williams: "I love Chicago. It's a great city -- a city that's always supported me. I love going back and playing in front of a lot of Illini fans."

luhm@sltrib.com