Boston Celtics point guard Kemba Walker has come down with the flu and will be held out of Friday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks, according to a report from Chris Forsberg of NBC Boston.

This is unfortunate news for the Celtics, as Walker is one of the team's primary options on the offensive end of the floor. In his 30 appearances this season, the former No. 9 overall pick has racked up averages of 22.5 points on 43.2 percent shooting from the field (39.8 percent from beyond the arc), 5.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds and just under one steal (0.9) in 32.3 minutes per outing.

Walker, who came over from the Hornets prior to the start of this season, missed Thursday's practice session with his illness, which reportedly caused a 103-degree fever.

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With Walker sidelined, Celtics head coach Brad Stevens will likely give Marcus Smart a starting nod at the point guard position. Brad Wanamaker and Carsen Edwards could see an increased workload as well.

Friday night's matchup between the Celtics and Hawks is scheduled to tip inside TD Garden at 7:00 p.m. ET. Boston has won six of its last seven outings, including a 109-92 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. Atlanta, on the other hand, had lost 10 straight prior to their win over the Orlando Magic on Monday.

Friday's game marks the first in a back-to-back set for the Celtics (at Chicago on Saturday).