The NBA Finals get underway Wednesday morning Australian time. It's the Miami Heat, featuring the "Big Three" - LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh - against the Dallas Mavericks and their superstar Dirk Nowitzki.

This is a rematch of the 2006 Finals, which Miami won in six games. And while Dallas won the two regular season meetings between the teams this season, those games were played before Christmas, and mean little right now. Most experts expect a close, entertaining series. Here are a few questions and answers about the 2011 NBA Finals:

Q: Is Dirk Nowitzki "un-guardable?"

A: If the great Charles Barkley says Nowitzki is "un-guardable," then I tend to agree. After all, how do you stop a jump shooting seven-footer who rarely misses? If you put a big man on him, he heads outside and knocks down three-pointers. Guard him with a little guy and he posts him up inside. If you try to rough him up or foul him a la Shaquille O'Neal, Dirk steps to the free throw line and makes you pay. Miami will most likely shuffle a number of different defenders on him - with possible double teams as well - and hope for the best.

Q: Is LeBron as good as Michael Jordan?

A: Scottie Pippen, Jordan's former teammate and fellow Hall of Famer, created a bit of controversy when he compared LeBron to Jordan, who most consider the greatest player ever. Pippen has since backed off his comments, saying that James COULD be the best ever someday. While there's no doubting LeBron's unreal talent, he's attempting to win his first title, while Jordan has won six.

Q: Is Pat Riley really coaching the Heat?

A: As you watch the close-ups of Heat General Manager Riley in the crowd signaling for timeouts, it's tempting to think he's playing Geppetto to young coach Eric Spoelstra's Pinocchio. But make no mistake, this is Spoelstra's team. He copped the criticism when the team struggled in December and he should reap the benefits if they win it all. Sure Riley's imprint is all over the team, but if you worked with a five-time championship winning coach, you'd probably consult him once in awhile too.

Q: Is this a dream come true for American Airlines?

A: Yes. The Mavericks play in American Airlines Arena, while the Heat play in the American Airlines Arena. When the two teams played in 2006, estimated promotional worth to American was approximately $9 million in name exposure. While the struggling US economy will soften some of that value, it's still a win-win for the airline, which will run various promotions and contests around the Finals.

Q: What's up with the "2-3-2" format?

A: After three rounds of playing a 2-2-1-1-1 format (first two games at higher seeded team's home court, next two at lower seeded team's home court, than alternating) the NBA changes its format for the Finals. It supposedly has to do with travel - journalists apparently, more than players - but it's an archaic, absurd anomaly. The 2-3-2 format can actually change the dynamic of a series. For example, if the road team gets a split in the opening two games, it can win the series at home. That can't happen under the 2-2-1-1-1 format.

Q: Can J.J. Barea get it done again?

A: Jose Juan "JJ" Barea is a pint-sized point guard who backs up Mavs' starter Jason Kidd. Barea has been a revelation in series wins over the Lakers and Thunder, despite being outsized in nearly every game. He's become adept at using the pick and roll and is a master of getting his shot off quickly against bigger opponents. There's every possibility that the 5'11" Barea may be matched up against the 6'8" LeBron James in the Finals.

Q: Will Jason Terry need laser surgery?

A: Terry, Dallas' explosive sixth man, got a tattoo of the championship trophy on his bicep, which he said was to motivate his younger teammates. He has, however, admitted that he will have it removed should the Mavs lose to the Heat in this series.

Q: Who will be the "X Factors?"

A: For the Heat, Mike Miller has provided spark off the bench, not to mention a size advantage when he joins James and/or Wade in the backcourt. For the Mavericks, it's hard to call veteran star Jason Kidd an X Factor, but his play will be crucial to the series. At 38, he'll be the oldest guard to ever start in the Finals, and he'll have his hands full with James and Wade.

Q: Will it be a nightmare if a Mark Cuban-owned team wins the title?

A: Not at all. You may not like the brash billionaire who owns the Mavericks, but he's been a breath of fresh air in what is often a boring, controlled environment. Cuban will be in the crowd as always, probably wearing a t-shirt and yelling profanities at officials.

Q: Who is the favourite?

A: According to TAB Sportsbet, Miami is the favourite, paying $1.45. Dallas is paying $2.75.

Q: Who will win?

A: Nowitzki may be un-guardable, but how do you stop James, Wade and Chris Bosh? I think the Heat will be too strong for Dallas, and win the series in six games.

Q: Then what will happen?

A: LeBron will tell all the doubters to get stuffed.