A.K. to start vs. LeBron; Gaines gets another 10-day deal

Andrei Kirilenko will get the first crack at trying to slow down the LeBron James locomotive tonight when the Utah Jazz host the Cleveland Cavaliers.

C.J. Miles, who has been under the weather this week, participated in the shootaround this morning and is expecting to be available tonight but is officially a game-time decision.

Regardless, Jazz coach Jerry Sloan is opting to begin the game with the Russian small forward, who’s played well of late.

James comes into this 8:30 p.m. TNT-televised contest having averaged 29.4 points for the season and 34.4 points in his last seven games.

“It’s always interesting match-up,” Kirilenko said. “He’s one of the best players in the league. It’s always enjoying playing against (James).”

In other news, the Jazz are expecting to reward rookie point guard Sundiata Gaines with another 10-day contract that will kick in tomorrow.

General manager Kevin O’Connor confirmed this morning that the Jazz will keep the former D-League player around for another week-and-a-half at least “unless something crazy happened.”

Gaines’ services might be needed tonight depending on the availability of backup point guard Ronnie Price. After participating in shootaround, Price suggested he’ll be able to play but is also a game-time decision with his left shoulder tendinitis.