How does the transaction log work in SQL Server when i run a DML
Yes, SELECT statements can in fact use space in the tempdb transaction log, as temporary working space to complete the query:

The Transaction Log (SQL Server):


  Long-running transactions might also fill up tempdb's transaction log. Tempdb is used implicitly by user transactions for internal objects such as work tables for sorting, work files for hashing, cursor work tables, and row versioning. Even if the user transaction includes only reading data (SELECT queries), internal objects may be created and used under user transactions. Then the tempdb transaction log can be filled.