Rookie Prosper ready to get his guard up

When the Mavericks begin preseason play Thursday against Minnesota in Abu Dhabi (11 a.m. tipoff, NBA TV and mavs.com), Olivier-Maxence Prosper probably will find himself at some point playing defense against high-scoring Anthony Edwards.

Edwards, who was part of the American team in the FIBA World Cup last month, is one of the most gifted offensive players in the NBA.

For O-Max, however, it’s a job he will relish. And he feels like he’s had plenty of good preparation for going against elite offensive players.

After all, he’s been guarding Luka Don\u010di\u0107 during some of the training camp scrimmages over the past week.

“It’s a challenge, but I’m up for it,” Prosper said before the Mavericks…