Utah Jazz Playoff Watch: Race Tightening as Final Month Approaches

Jan 7, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives as he splits the defense of Utah Jazz forward Chris Johnson (23) and guard Raul Neto (25) in the second half at Toyota Center. Rockets won 103 to 94. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives as he splits the defense of Utah Jazz forward Chris Johnson (23) and guard Raul Neto (25) in the second half at Toyota Center. Rockets won 103 to 94. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

With 12 games remaining on their schedule, the Utah Jazz are in a dogfight with the Trail Blazers, Rockets and Mavs for one of the final three playoff spots in the Western Conference.

Although the Utah Jazz are officially in the homestretch of the Western Conference playoff race, there’s still work left to be done for the team to secure a postseason return. Having said that, the team has a chance to get back into the top eight this week if they can capture some wins on the current road trip.

The Jazz have a huge bout with the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, and a chance to make up a full game on James Harden and Co. With two days of rest before the game, the Jazz should have fresh legs for the contest. With any luck, the ailing Gordon Hayward and Rodney Hood will be in better condition to compete for the Jazz.

Here’s your Jazz playoff primer for the week–

That’s the current situation in the Jazz playoff race. CBS Sports discussed Utah’s playoff push in a video feature on Monday–

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