With C.J. Miles considered "doubtful" tonight when Utah tries to beat Detroit for the eighth consecutive time, Jerry Sloan hinted he is leaning toward replacing the injured small forward in the starting lineup with the second-year player.

For those keeping score at home, it will likely be the 12th different starting lineup in 37 games for 21-15 Utah. It will also be the Jazz's first game without Miles, who didn't practice Friday after suffering a moderately sprained right ankle against New Orleans on Wednesday.

By the way, it will also be the first NBA action for Almond this calendar year.

Almond hasn't played since Dec. 29, 2008, and was most recently on the inactive list against the Hornets and Golden State. He's only appeared in half of Utah's games all season -- and sparingly/sporadically at that.

Inactive yesterday. Starter today. Who knows where tomorrow.

Welcome to Almond's ever-evolving life in the NBA.

"That's just how quick things change in this league," said Almond, who's averaged 12.9 minutes in his 18 games. "You've just got to make sure you stay ready."

And, no, the Jazz don't have to recall Almond from the D-League. He has just patiently been biding his time on and behind the bench, going all-out in practice and, according to his coach, staying as prepared as any good Boy Scout.

That's why Sloan isn't concerned that Almond has seen as much playing time lately as the wacky doctor with the megaphone.

"Morris Almond deserves a chance to play," Sloan said. "... I don't have a problem starting a guy that hasn't played."

This isn't how Sloan envisioned changing his lineup -- which he openly talked about doing because of a string of slow starts. But he says Almond has earned a shot through the work he's put in at practice and in the weight room. So what if he hasn't had recent PT. Sloan likes what he's seen behind the scenes.

"He's playing a lot harder in practice," Sloan said, "and that's one of the things he had to work on."

Unless Sloan opts at the last minute to go another direction -- say, bring Andrei Kirilenko off the bench instead -- this will be the second start of Almond's short NBA career. The swingman filled in for Ronnie Brewer when the shooting guard missed the Dec. 13 game against Orlando to attend his aunt's funeral.

Almond struggled in that home loss, scoring only five points on 2-for-8 shooting with three turnovers in just 19 minutes. But the Rice University product, who's trying to add all-around elements to his sharpshooting skills, said he gained experience.

"Every little bit helps," Almond said. Plus, he added, "Every game's a new game."

As much as Sloan hates seeing players injured -- something he's witnessed all too much this year as the Jazz approach 100 missed games to injuries -- he knows these rare playing opportunities sometimes give players a chance to shine they otherwise wouldn't get.

Need proof? Please refer to the 19 straight double-doubles a certain back-up power forward has racked up in Carlos Boozer's absence this season.

"People said, 'What are we going to do when Boozer was out?' And Paul Millsap stepped up and has played tremendous Basketball for us and helped us stay in a little hunt here for a playoff spot," Sloan said. "Maybe that's what somebody else will do. We hope that's what happens."

For a guy who has logged more time in the D-League (34 games) than the NBA (27 games) since going pro and whose future is uncertain because the Jazz didn't pick up the option on his rookie contract for next season, Almond is grateful to get any opportunities. Getting to start is just a bonus.

And if nothing else, he's learned what his coach likes.

Two four-letter words: hard work.

"You've got to play hard, and that's what gets his attention," Almond said. " ... That's why I have to earn every minute I get on the floor on a team like this with a lot of wings and a lot of good players." E-mail: jody@desnews.com